Lexical Summary peripséma: Offscouring, refuse, scum Original Word: περίψημα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dirt, scumFrom a comparative of peri and psao (to rub); something brushed all around, i.e. Off-scrapings (figuratively, scum) -- offscouring. see GREEK peri NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and psaó (to wipe off) Definition offscouring NASB Translation dregs (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4067: περίψημαπερίψημα, περιψηματος, τό (from περιψάω 'to wipe off all round'; and this from περί (which see III. 1), and ψάω 'to wipe,' 'rub'), properly, what is wiped off; dirt rubbed off'; offscouring, scrapings: 1 Corinthians 4:13, used in the same sense as περικάθαρμα, which see Suidas and other Greek lexicographers under the word relate that the Athenians, in order to avert public calamities, yearly threw a criminal into the sea as an offering to Poseidon; hence, ἀργύριον ... περίψημα τοῦ παιδίου ἡμῶν γένοιτο (as if to say) let it become an expiatory offering, a ransom, for our child, i. e. in comparison with the saving of our son's life let it be to us a despicable and worthless thing, Tobit 5:18 (where see Fritzsche; (cf. also Müller on the Epistle of Barnabas 4, 9 [ET])). It is used of a man who in behalf of religion undergoes dire trials for the salvation of others, Ignatius ad Eph. 8, 1 [ET]; 18, 1 [ET]; (see Lightfoot's note on the former passage). Topical Lexicon Literary background Among classical writers the term was applied to the scrapings removed from a sacrificed victim or to prisoners and beggars who were cast into the sea during a plague, their death believed to spare the city. The imagery suggests something regarded as utterly disposable, an object of contempt whose removal was expected to benefit others. Paul's apostolic self-portrait in 1 Corinthians 4:13 The apostle chooses this vivid word to describe how the world evaluates Christ’s emissaries: “When we are slandered, we answer graciously. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world” (1 Corinthians 4:13). His language exposes the stark contrast between Corinthian expectations of status and the actual path of gospel service: public disgrace, relentless hardship, yet steady meekness. The clause “up to this moment” highlights that such humiliation is not an unfortunate episode but the continuing cost of authentic ministry. Historical parallels and cultural background 1. Scapegoat ritual—Leviticus 16 portrays a goat sent into the wilderness bearing Israel’s sins. Though a different vocabulary is used in the Septuagint, the concept of an “expelled substitute” stands behind Paul’s metaphor. Theological implications • Identification with Christ: The One who “was despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3) is reflected in ministers who bear similar reproach (Hebrews 13:13). Related biblical themes Humiliation in ministry – Luke 6:22–23; Acts 5:40–41; 2 Corinthians 6:4–10; Philippians 3:8. Sharing Christ’s sufferings – Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 1:5; 1 Peter 4:12–14. Servant leadership – Mark 10:43–45; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8. Ministry application 1. Expectation management: Churches should prepare leaders for misunderstanding and social marginalization rather than promising prestige. Christological fulfillment Peripsēma foreshadows the greater Substitute who “made Himself nothing” (Philippians 2:7). By embracing the title, Paul mirrors the Messiah who bore sin outside the camp. The word therefore anchors Christian humility in the once-for-all self-emptying of Jesus Christ and summons every believer to “go to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach” (Hebrews 13:13). Forms and Transliterations περιψημα περίψημα περκάσει peripsema peripsēma perípsema perípsēmaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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