Lexical Summary perierchomai: To go about, to wander, to go around Original Word: περιέρχομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance go aboutFrom peri and erchomai (including its alternate); to come all around, i.e. Stroll, vacillate, veer -- fetch a compass, vagabond, wandering about. see GREEK peri see GREEK erchomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and erchomai Definition to go about NASB Translation go around (1), sailed around (1), went from place to place (1), went about (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4022: περιέρχομαιπεριέρχομαι; 2 aorist περιῆλθον; from Herodotus down; to go about: of strollers, Acts 19:13; of wanderers, Hebrews 11:37; of navigators (making a circuit), Acts 28:13 (here WH περιελόντες, see περιαιρέω, a.); τάς οἰκίας, to go about from house to house, 1 Timothy 5:13. Topical Lexicon Scope and Movement The verb translated “go about,” “wander,” or “travel around” pictures motion without a fixed dwelling. In Scripture it can describe either an aimless, self-directed circuit or a Spirit-led pilgrimage forced by persecution. The immediate context always determines whether the activity is commendable or censured. Occurrences in the New Testament • Acts 19:13 Acts 19:13 – Itinerant Exorcists in Ephesus Luke introduces “some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists” who attempted to cast out demons “by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims” (Acts 19:13). Their roaming lifestyle suggests entrepreneurs who moved from town to town seeking a livelihood by spiritual spectacle. The ensuing humiliation (Acts 19:14-16) contrasts sharply with Paul’s settled ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-12). The narrative warns that mobility detached from genuine submission to Christ carries no spiritual authority. The name of Jesus is not a charm to be carried along one’s route; it must be confessed in faith and obedience. Historical note: First-century records mention Jewish exorcists who sold charms and incantations. Their wandering mirrored the itinerant philosophers of the Greco-Roman world but lacked apostolic commission. Luke’s portrayal exposes syncretism while magnifying the supreme power of the risen Lord. 1 Timothy 5:13 – Idle Wandering and Church Order Paul counsels Timothy that younger widows, if placed on the church’s support list too early, may “learn to be idle, going from house to house” (1 Timothy 5:13). The verb signals purposeless circulation within the congregation’s households, resulting in gossip and meddling. Whereas Acts depicts commercial exploitation, here the danger is relational erosion inside the body of Christ. Pastoral principles emerge: 1. Material provision must be coupled with purposeful service (1 Timothy 5:10,14). Hebrews 11:37 – Pilgrims of Faith Under Persecution The writer catalogs saints who “went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, afflicted, mistreated” (Hebrews 11:37). Here the same verb depicts holy endurance, not idleness. Driven from hearth and homeland, these witnesses embraced homelessness rather than forsake covenant loyalty. Their wandering anticipates the epistle’s call to “go to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach” (Hebrews 13:13). The juxtaposition with Hebrews 11:38—“the world was not worthy of them”—elevates their itinerancy: they traverse a world unworthy of their faith, longing for a better country (Hebrews 11:16). Movement becomes a visible protest against worldly security and a pointer to the heavenly city. Theological Reflections 1. Authority versus Autonomy: In Acts 19, roaming without Christ’s lordship yields spiritual impotence. In Hebrews 11, roaming under divine sovereignty displays triumphant faith. Pastoral and Missional Applications • Itinerant ministries today (evangelists, missionaries, relief workers) should submit to biblical accountability, avoiding the pitfalls of the Ephesian exorcists. In sum, Strong’s Greek 4022 illustrates that motion in itself is neutral; its value hinges on the heart’s allegiance to Christ and the edification of His body. The faithful may traverse deserts in skins or remain rooted in one locale, yet both stances glorify God when governed by truth, love, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Forms and Transliterations περιελεύσεται περιελεύσονται περίελθε περιελθείν περιελθόντες περιελθούσα περιελθών περιερχομεναι περιερχόμεναι περιερχομενων περιερχομένων περιηλθον περιήλθον περιῆλθον περιήλθοσαν perielthon periêlthon periēlthon periē̂lthon perierchomenai perierchómenai perierchomenon perierchomenōn perierchoménon perierchoménōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 19:13 V-PPM/P-GMPGRK: καὶ τῶν περιερχομένων Ἰουδαίων ἐξορκιστῶν NAS: exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted KJV: of the vagabond Jews, INT: also the itinerant Jews exorcists 1 Timothy 5:13 V-PPM/P-NFP Hebrews 11:37 V-AIA-3P Strong's Greek 4022 |
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