4049. perispaó

Lexicon

perispaó: To be distracted, to be pulled away, to be over-occupied

Original Word: περισπάω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: perispaó
Pronunciation: peh-ree-SPAH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (per-ee-spah'-o)
Definition: To be distracted, to be pulled away, to be over-occupied
Meaning: I distract, trouble greatly.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

distract

From peri and spao; to drag all around, i.e. (figuratively) to distract (with care) -- cumber.

see GREEK peri

see GREEK spao

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from peri and spaó
Definition
to draw away
NASB Translation
distracted (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4049: περισπάω

περισπάω, περίσπω: imperfect passive 3 person singular περιεσπᾶτο; from Xenophon down; to draw around (περί, III. 1), to draw away, distract; passive metaphorically, to be driven about mentally, to be distracted: περί τί, i. e. to be over-occupied, too busy, about a thing, Luke 10:40 (A. V. cumbered); in the same sense with τῇ διάνοια added, Polybius 3, 105, 1; 4, 10, 3; Diodorus 1, 74; περισπαν τόν ἀργόν δῆμον περί τάς ἔξω στρατείας, Dionysius Halicarnassus, Antiquities 9, 43; passive, to be distracted with cares, to be troubled, distressed (cf. Winer's Grammar, 23), for עָנָה, Ecclesiastes 1:13; Ecclesiastes 3:10.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From the Greek words περί (peri, meaning "around") and σπάω (spaō, meaning "to draw" or "to pull").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for περισπάω, the concept of distraction or being drawn away from God can be related to Hebrew terms that describe turning aside or being led astray, such as שָׂטָה (satah, Strong's 7847) meaning "to turn aside" or "to go astray." These terms similarly convey the idea of being diverted from a proper focus or path.

Usage: The verb περισπάω is used in the New Testament to describe a state of being distracted or overly concerned with various tasks, leading to a lack of focus on what is truly important.

Context: The Greek verb περισπάω appears in the New Testament in the context of being distracted or overly concerned with mundane tasks, often at the expense of spiritual attentiveness. This term is notably used in the account of Jesus visiting the home of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:40. In this passage, Martha is described as being "distracted with much serving" (BSB), indicating that her attention was divided and she was preoccupied with the details of hospitality rather than focusing on the presence and teachings of Jesus.

The use of περισπάω in this context highlights a common human tendency to become absorbed in the busyness of life, potentially neglecting spiritual priorities. The narrative contrasts Martha's distraction with Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His words, illustrating the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and attentiveness to God's word over the demands of daily life.

Theologically, περισπάω serves as a reminder of the need for balance between service and devotion, encouraging believers to evaluate their priorities and ensure that their spiritual life is not overshadowed by worldly concerns. It underscores the call to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that other needs will be met as a result (cf. Matthew 6:33).

Forms and Transliterations

περιέσπασεν περιεσπατο περιεσπάτο περιεσπᾶτο περισπά περισπάσθαι περισπόρια periespato periespâto

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 10:40 V-IIM/P-3S
GRK: δὲ Μάρθα περιεσπᾶτο περὶ πολλὴν
NAS: But Martha was distracted with all
KJV: But Martha was cumbered about much
INT: but Martha was distracted about much

Strong's Greek 4049
1 Occurrence

περιεσπᾶτο — 1 Occ.