πέρας
péras
G4009 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Limit, boundary, or end point; primarily denotes an extreme or furthest point of an object, place, or period. Also used figuratively for the utmost limit or final stage of a span, action, or process. In some contexts, can refer to the uttermost or remotest area.
Semantic Range
limit, boundary, end, extremity, utmost point, outermost region, furthest extent, final stage
Root / Etymology
Derived from the same root as πέραν ('across, beyond'), the preposition/adverb signifying a place on the other side, especially as a relative position from a given point. Related to the notion of farthest extension or limit. The ultimate etymology is uncertain, and not clearly linked to non-Greek roots.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, πέρας is commonly used for the end, limit, or boundary of a physical space (e.g., the shore as the land’s limit), of time periods, or metaphorically as the endpoint of an abstract concept (e.g., τέλος πέρας, 'end of the end'). In the Septuagint, often employed to translate Hebrew terms signaling boundaries or extremities. In the New Testament, found especially in plural (e.g., πέρατα τῆς γῆς), referring to the farthest regions or the ends of the earth; highlights extent rather than directionality. The semantic field partly overlaps with τέλος ('end, goal'), but πέρας focuses on spatial or conceptual limits and is less oriented to purpose or fulfillment. English translations like 'end,' 'extremity,' or 'uttermost part' can capture the basic meaning, but may not always reflect the sense of a boundary as opposed to a conclusion. Not used of persons, nor is it commonly religiously charged.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as πέραν; an extremity:--end, ut-(ter-)most participle
Root Family
πέρας (peras) — limit, boundary, end point
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4009-03 |
περάτων | peraton | N GEN N PL |
ends | of the outermost limits | 2 |
G4009-02 |
πέρατα | perata | N ACC N PL |
ends | outermost limits | 1 |
G4009-01 |
πέρας | peras | N NOM N SG |
of a boundary | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4009-03 |
Matthew 12:42 | περάτων | peraton | N GEN N PL |
of the outermost limits | |
G4009-03 |
Luke 11:31 | περάτων | peraton | N GEN N PL |
ends | of the outermost limits |
G4009-02 |
Romans 10:18 | πέρατα | perata | N ACC N PL |
ends | outermost limits |
G4009-01 |
Hebrews 6:16 | πέρας | peras | N NOM N SG |
of a boundary |