Lexical Summary peripiptó: To fall into, to encounter Original Word: περιπίπτω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fall into. From peri and pipto; to fall into something that is all around, i.e. Light among or upon, be surrounded with -- fall among (into). see GREEK peri see GREEK pipto HELPS Word-studies 4045 peripíptō (from 4012 /perí, "all-around" and 4098 /píptō, "fall") – properly, fall around, i.e. totally surrounded by. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and piptó Definition to fall around NASB Translation encounter (1), fell among (1), striking (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4045: περιπίπτωπεριπίπτω: 2 aorist περιέπεσον; from Herodotus down; so to fall into as to be encompassed by (cf. περί, III. 1): λῃσταῖς, among robbers, Luke 10:30; τοῖς πειρασμοῖς, James 1:2 (αἰκίαις, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 51, 2 [ET]; θανάτῳ, Daniel 2:9; Diodorus 1, 77; νόσῳ, Josephus, Antiquities 15, 7, 7; συμφορά, ibid. 1, 1, 4; τοῖς δεινοῖς, Aesop 79 (110 edition Halm); ψευδέσι καί ἀσεβέσι δόγμασιν, Origen in Joann. t. ii. § 2; numerous other examples in Passow, under the word, the passage cited (Liddell and Scott, under the word, II. 3); to which add, 2 Macc. 6:13 2Macc. 10:4; Polybius 1, 37, 1 and 9); εἰς τόπον τινα, upon a certain place, Acts 27:41. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 4045, περιπίπτω, portrays the notion of being suddenly surrounded by, or plunged into, something—whether hostile persons, adverse circumstances, or natural obstacles. The verb implies an element of surprise, stressing that the object did not deliberately seek the condition but was overtaken by it. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 10:30 – “...a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into (περιέπεσεν) the hands of robbers...” Usage in Luke 10:30: Compassion in Action Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan places the verb at the heart of a vivid narrative. The victim “fell among robbers,” conveying both violence and helplessness. This sets the stage for demonstrating neighbor-love that transcends ethnic and social boundaries. The language underscores the passivity of the wounded man, magnifying the gracious initiative shown by the Samaritan. Pastoral application: true mercy reaches those who did not choose their plight. Usage in Acts 27:41: Providential Sovereignty in Crisis Paul’s shipwreck shows seasoned sailors “falling upon” an unexpected reef near Malta. The verb marks the abrupt, unavoidable confrontation with danger despite human skill and planning. Luke’s detailed account of the voyage reveals that the gospel mission can proceed even through uncontrollable, perilous events. Ministry leaders gain assurance that apparently disastrous setbacks may prove instrumental for advancing the message (Acts 28:1–10). Usage in James 1:2: Trials as Divine Training James urges believers to reckon life’s “various trials” as occasions for joy. The verb’s nuance—being suddenly encompassed by difficulties—reminds readers that adversity often arrives unbidden. Yet those events fall within God’s sanctifying purpose, refining faith and producing perseverance (James 1:3–4). The exhortation turns a threatening verb into a context for growth, illustrating New Covenant transformation of hardship into blessing. Old Testament Background and Conceptual Links Though περιπίπτω is Greek, the idea of falling into calamity echoes Hebrew expressions such as “fall into mischief” (Proverbs 28:10) and “fall into the hand of the LORD” (2 Samuel 24:14). Both Testaments affirm divine oversight in human predicaments: unexpected trouble may become a crucible for displaying covenant mercy or righteous discipline. Theological Significance 1. Human Vulnerability: Each occurrence accentuates humanity’s exposure to forces beyond control—crime, nature, or testing. Practical Ministry Application • Crisis Response: Churches are called to identify with those who have “fallen among” calamity, offering tangible aid and the hope of the gospel (Luke 10:37). Homiletical and Discipleship Insights • Illustrate the surprise element of περιπίπτω to confront complacency in personal holiness and community outreach. Related Greek Terms for Study • 4048 πέφτω – to fall, focusing on the act itself rather than the surrounding circumstances. Summary Strong’s Greek 4045 highlights moments when individuals are unexpectedly enmeshed in peril or trial. Whether describing violent assault, maritime disaster, or multifaceted testings, the verb frames scenarios in which divine grace, human compassion, and spiritual perseverance intersect. Its three New Testament occurrences collectively call believers to trust God’s providence, extend sacrificial mercy, and embrace trials as avenues for joy-filled maturity. Forms and Transliterations περιέπεσε περιεπεσεν περιέπεσεν περιέπεσον περιεπλάκη περιεπλάκησάν περιέπλεκε περιπεπλεγμένη περιπεσητε περιπέσητε περιπεσοντες περιπεσόντες περιπίπτει περιπλεκόμενη periepesen periépesen peripesete peripesēte peripésete peripésēte peripesontes peripesóntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 10:30 V-AIA-3SGRK: καὶ λῃσταῖς περιέπεσεν οἳ καὶ NAS: to Jericho, and fell among robbers, KJV: Jericho, and fell among thieves, which INT: and robbers fell among who both Acts 27:41 V-APA-NMP James 1:2 V-ASA-2P Strong's Greek 4045 |
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