4041. periousios

Lexicon

periousios: Special, peculiar, treasured

Original Word: περιούσιος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: periousios
Pronunciation: peh-ree-OO-see-os
Phonetic Spelling: (per-ee-oo'-see-os)
Definition: Special, peculiar, treasured
Meaning: costly, treasured, select, specially chosen.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

chosen

From the present participle feminine of a compound of peri and eimi; being beyond usual, i.e. Special (one's own) -- peculiar.

see GREEK eimi

HELPS Word-studies

4041 perioúsios (from 4012 /perí, "all-around, encompassing" and 1511 /eínai, "being, to exist") – properly, what exists in abundance (plenteousness) and hence of surpassing value. This describes believers because they belong to the Lord as His prized treasure ("peculiar," special possession). 4041 (perioúsios) is used only in Tit 2:14.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from a comp. of peri and eimi
Definition
of one's own possession
NASB Translation
possession (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4041: περιούσιος

περιούσιος, περιούσιον (from περιων, περιουσα, participle of the verb περίειμι, to be over and above — see ἐπιούσιος; hence, περιουσία, abundance, plenty; riches, wealth, property), that which is one's own, belongs to one's possessions: λαός περιούσιος, a people selected by God from the other nations for his own possession, Titus 2:14; Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 64 [ET]; in the Sept. for סְגֶלָּה עַם (Exodus 19:5); Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2; Deuteronomy 26:18. (Cf. Lightfoot 'Fresh Revision' etc. Appendix ii.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek preposition "περί" (peri, meaning "around" or "beyond") and the verb "εἰμί" (eimi, meaning "to be").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek term "περιούσιος" corresponds to the Hebrew word סְגֻלָּה (segullah, Strong's Hebrew 5459), which is used in the Old Testament to describe Israel as God's treasured possession. This connection highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testament concepts of God's people being set apart for His purposes.

Usage: The word "περιούσιος" is used in the New Testament to describe a people who are uniquely God's own, set apart for His purposes. It appears in contexts emphasizing the distinctiveness and treasured status of God's people.

Context: The term "περιούσιος" is notably used in Titus 2:14, where it describes the people redeemed by Christ as His own special possession. The verse reads: "He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds" (BSB). This usage underscores the transformative purpose of Christ's redemptive work, highlighting the believers' unique status as a community dedicated to good works and set apart from the world.

The concept of being a "special possession" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God frequently refers to Israel as His treasured possession (e.g., Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 7:6). In the New Testament, this idea is expanded to include all who are in Christ, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the inclusion of Gentiles into this special status.

Theologically, "περιούσιος" reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, characterized by divine ownership and a call to holiness. It implies both privilege and responsibility, as those who are "περιούσιος" are called to live in a manner that reflects their unique identity and purpose in God's plan.

Forms and Transliterations

περιουσιον περιούσιον περιούσιος periousion perioúsion

Englishman's Concordance

Titus 2:14 Adj-AMS
GRK: ἑαυτῷ λαὸν περιούσιον ζηλωτὴν καλῶν
NAS: for His own possession, zealous
KJV: unto himself a peculiar people,
INT: to himself a people specially chosen zealous of good

Strong's Greek 4041
1 Occurrence

περιούσιον — 1 Occ.