Lexical Summary periechó: To encompass, to contain, to include, to surround. Original Word: περιέχω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance containFrom peri and echo; to hold all around, i.e. Include, clasp (figuratively) -- + astonished, contain, after (this manner). see GREEK peri see GREEK echo HELPS Word-studies 4023 periéxō (from 4012 /perí, "encompassing" and 2192 /éxō, "have") – properly, have all-around, i.e. encompass (encircle); "fully contained" (BAGD). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and echó Definition to surround NASB Translation contained (1), seized (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4023: περιέχωπεριέχω; 2 aorist περιέσχον; from Homer down; in the N. T. to surround, encompass; i. e. a. to contain: of the subject-matter, contents, of a writing (ἡ βίβλος περιέχει τάς πράξεις, Diodorus 2, 1; (Josephus, contra Apion (1, 1); 1, 8, 2; 2, 4, 1; 2, 38, 1)), ἐπιστολήν περιέχουσαν τόν τύπον τοῦτον, a letter of which this is a sample, or a letter written after this form (cf. τύπος, 3), Acts 23:25 (L T Tr WH ἔχουσαν (cf. Grimm on 1 Macc. as below)) (τόν τρόπον τοῦτον, 1 Macc. 15:2; 2 Macc. 11:16); intransitive, (Buttmann, § 129, 17 n.; 144 (126) n.): περιέχει ἐν (τῇ) γραφή, it is contained in (holy) scripture, 1 Peter 2:6 R G T Tr WH; absolutely, περιέχει ἡ γραφή (our runs), followed by direct discourse, ibid. Lachmann; likewise, ὁ νόμος ὑμῶν περιέχει, Ev. Nicod. c. 4; with adverbs: περιέχειν οὕτως, 2 Macc. 9:18 2Macc. 11:22; καθώς περιέχει βίβλος Ανωχ, Test. xii. Patr., test. Levi 10; ὡς ἡ παράδοσις περιέχει, Eusebius, h. e. 3, 1; see Grimm on 1 Macc. 11:29. b. equivalent to to take possession of, to seize: τινα, Luke 5:9 (2 Macc. 4:16; Josephus, b. j. 4, 10, 1). The verb represented by Strong’s Greek number 4023 conveys the idea of surrounding something on every side, holding it fast, or containing it within fixed limits. In narrative contexts it can describe the way an emotion overtakes a person, while in didactic contexts it points to the way a statement or truth is “enclosed” within Scripture itself. The word therefore carries both spatial and conceptual force: what is “inside” is secure, what is “around” is complete. Occurrences in the New Testament Luke 5:9 – At the miraculous catch of fish, “he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken.” Their amazement does not merely touch them; it “encompasses” them. The scene shows how the presence and power of Jesus can seize a person’s whole being, leaving no part of life untouched. 1 Peter 2:6 – Peter writes, “For it stands in Scripture: ‘See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.’” Peter’s use of the verb underscores that this promise is fully contained within Scripture’s own testimony. The prophecy is not an isolated fragment but part of the larger cohesive revelation that wraps itself around the believer’s faith and hope. Theological Significance Awe that Overwhelms (Luke 5:9) The fishermen’s experience illustrates the proper human response when confronted with divine power. The “encompassing” wonder humbles self-reliant laborers and prepares them for discipleship. It models the conversion of the whole person—mind, emotion, and will—when Christ breaks into ordinary life. Scripture that Encloses (1 Peter 2:6) Peter’s wording highlights the self-attesting nature of the written Word. The promise about the cornerstone is not merely cited; it is already “contained” in the canon. This affirms both the sufficiency and integrity of Scripture: everything necessary for salvation and godliness is already enclosed within its pages. The verse also draws a straight line from Isaiah to Christ, demonstrating the unity of redemptive history. Intertextual Connections and Background Old Testament imagery frequently portrays God as the One who surrounds His people (Psalm 125:2) or who sets boundaries for the sea (Job 26:10). The New Testament picks up the same conceptual field: emotions, divine acts, and promises can encircle and secure. By choosing a term common in everyday Greek for encircling walls or borders, the biblical writers fold ordinary language into the service of revelation, stressing that what God does spiritually is as real and total as a city wall or a garment wrapped around the body. Pastoral and Ministerial Applications 1. Cultivating Holy Awe Preachers can invite congregations to enter the astonishment of Luke 5:9. When Christ’s power is proclaimed clearly, hearers ought to feel “surrounded” by wonder, moving them from complacency to worshipful obedience. 2. Confidence in the Written Word Teachers can point to 1 Peter 2:6 to reinforce the finality and self-contained authority of Scripture. Rather than searching for external validation, believers can rest in the truth already “held” within the biblical canon. 3. Counseling and Spiritual Formation The encompassing idea suggests that God’s promises and presence provide a protective boundary for the believer’s life. This offers pastoral comfort in seasons of trial: the faithful are never outside the circle of divine care. Summary Whether describing an emotion that overtakes astonished fishermen or a prophecy securely lodged in the sacred writings, Strong’s 4023 portrays total enclosure. It reminds readers that the power of Christ and the promises of Scripture leave nothing untouched and nothing uncertain, surrounding the believer with both awe and assurance. Englishman's Concordance Luke 5:9 V-AIA-3SGRK: θάμβος γὰρ περιέσχεν αὐτὸν καὶ NAS: For amazement had seized him and all KJV: For he was astonished, and all INT: amazement indeed laid hold on him and 1 Peter 2:6 V-PIA-3S Strong's Greek 4023 |
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