περιφέρω
periphérō
G4064 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to carry around or about; to move, transport, or bear something or someone in a circular or undirected manner; in extended contexts, to be led astray or influenced by diverse teachings or influences. The primary lexeme indicates physical movement around or from place to place, but also appears metaphorically for being mentally or spiritually unsettled or swayed by various ideas.
Semantic Range
to transport from place to place, to carry around in a physical sense, to move (physically) about, to be led astray or swayed by influences or teachings, to be restless or unsettled (figurative)
Root / Etymology
Formed from the preposition περί (around, about) and the verb φέρω (to bear, to carry); literally 'to carry around/about.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, περιφέρω is used for physical transportation—moving objects or people in a circular route or from one place to another. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek (including the New Testament and LXX), the term extends to metaphorical movement, most notably for individuals who are 'carried about' by violent wind, doctrines, or influences (e.g., Hebrews 13:9; Ephesians 4:14). Here, the idea is not simply physical motion but mental, emotional, or spiritual instability. Unlike a simple verb for 'to carry' (e.g., φέρω), περιφέρω suggests continual or undirected movement and often points to lack of stability or direction. English translations such as 'bear around' or 'carry about' may miss these metaphorical senses; in context, it can imply spiritual or intellectual restlessness or susceptibility to change. The Septuagint use is rare but follows similar metaphorical contours. The distinction between literal and figurative uses must be determined by context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from περί and φέρω; to convey around, i.e. transport hither and thither:--bear (carry) about.
Root Family
περιφέρω (peripherō) — to carry around, to move about, to bear about
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4064-03 |
περιφέροντες | peripherontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
carrying around | 1 | |
G4064-02 |
περιφερόμενοι | peripheromenoi | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
carried about | being carried around | 1 |
G4064-01 |
περιφέρειν | peripherein | V PRS ACT INF |
to carry | to carry around | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4064-01 |
Mark 6:55 | περιφέρειν | peripherein | V PRS ACT INF |
to carry | to carry around |
G4064-03 |
2 Corinthians 4:10 | περιφέροντες | peripherontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
carrying around | |
G4064-02 |
Ephesians 4:14 | περιφερόμενοι | peripheromenoi | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
carried about | being carried around |