Lexical Summary periagó: To go around, to lead around, to wander about Original Word: περιάγω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lead round, go round aboutFrom peri and ago; to take around (as a companion); reflexively, to walk around -- compass, go (round) about, lead about. see GREEK peri see GREEK ago NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and agó Definition to lead around, to go about NASB Translation around* (1), going (1), going through (1), going throughout (1), take along (1), travel around (1), went about (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4013: περιάγωπεριάγω; imperfect περιηγον; from Herodotus down; 1. transitive, a. to lead around (cf. περί, III. 1). b. equivalent to to lead about with oneself: τινα (Xenophon, Cyril 2, 2, 28; τρεῖς παῖδας ἀκολουθους, Demosthenes, p. 958, 16), 1 Corinthians 9:5. 2. intransitive, to go about, walk about (Cebes ( Strong’s Greek 4013 depicts purposeful movement that circles through a region or circumstance. Each New Testament occurrence is linked to the advance—or obstruction—of the gospel, underscoring God’s intent that saving truth penetrate every place and relationship. Occurrences Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35; Mark 6:6; Matthew 23:15; Acts 13:11; 1 Corinthians 9:5. The Itinerant Ministry of Jesus Matthew records that “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23). The same pattern recurs in Matthew 9:35 and Mark 6:6. His deliberate circulation reflects both compassion and urgency: the Son of God refuses to be localized, choosing instead to bring truth, restoration, and kingdom authority to every village. These passages shape Christian ministry philosophy: shepherds and evangelists are to reach people where they live, rather than waiting for seekers to come to them. Missionary Zeal and Religious Hypocrisy In Matthew 23:15 the verb is used of religious leaders: “You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.” Their strenuous activity matches Jesus’ but with corrupt motive and destructive fruit. The contrast warns that method and movement are not enough; only authentic submission to God’s word gives true missionary labor its worth. Apostolic Rights and Self-Denial Paul cites the term while defending his right to “take along a believing wife” (1 Corinthians 9:5). Here the verb broadens from geographical movement to the right to “lead around” a spouse in ministry. The context shows Paul willingly surrenders legitimate entitlements for the gospel’s sake, modeling sacrificial leadership and reinforcing that Christian freedom is governed by love. Judgment and Mercy in Acts When Elymas opposed the gospel, “a mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand” (Acts 13:11). The once-proud sorcerer now depends on others to guide him. The scene underscores divine authority to hinder those who hinder truth, turning the verb into an image of helpless wandering apart from Christ. Theological Themes 1. Divine Initiative: God’s salvation is inherently outgoing; He “goes about” to reclaim humanity. Contemporary Application Churches and individual believers are called to active, mobile engagement—physically, relationally, and culturally. Evangelistic travel, neighborhood outreach, digital presence, and compassionate service all reflect the Savior who went everywhere doing good. Yet zeal must remain tethered to doctrinal fidelity and humble dependence on the Spirit, lest energetic programs replicate the empty proselytizing Jesus condemned. Finally, Paul’s example urges today’s servants to weigh personal rights against gospel progress, joyfully “going about” wherever Christ leads for the eternal good of others. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 4:23 V-IIA-3SGRK: Καὶ περιῆγεν ἐν ὅλῃ NAS: Jesus was going throughout all KJV: And Jesus went about all Galilee, INT: And he went throughout all Matthew 9:35 V-IIA-3S Matthew 23:15 V-PIA-2P Mark 6:6 V-IIA-3S Acts 13:11 V-PPA-NMS 1 Corinthians 9:5 V-PNA Strong's Greek 4013 |
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