περίψωμα
perípsōma
G4067 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Material that is scraped off, especially as refuse or debris; metaphorically, a person or group regarded as being of no value, social outcasts, or the most despised segment of society. In literal contexts, denotes dregs or scrapings left after cleaning or purifying an item.
Semantic Range
scrapings, dregs, refuse, remnants brushed off, scum, social outcasts, those treated as the refuse or scapegoats of society, apotropaic offering
Root / Etymology
From περί (around, about) and possibly a root related to ψώω (to rub), indicating something rubbed or scraped off from all around. The precise root of the second element is debated, but commonly connected with actions of scraping or cleaning by friction.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, περίψωμα refers primarily to literal scrapings or shavings removed from a surface, such as from an object being cleaned or polished, commonly used for ritual cleansing practices where scrapings from sacrificial victims were considered protective or apotropaic, sometimes even buried or cast away. By the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the term acquires a figurative sense, especially in rhetorical, philosophical, and magical texts, referring to people regarded as the refuse or dregs of society, sometimes even sacrificial victims offered as substitutes on behalf of a community. In the New Testament (notably 1 Corinthians 4:13), it is used metaphorically for people (such as apostles) regarded as socially worthless, the lowest, or as scapegoats for others’ misfortunes. English translations as 'offscouring', 'scum', or 'refuse' approximate but do not fully capture the term's sacrificial and apotropaic connotations in Greek sources.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a comparative of περί and (to rub); something brushed all around, i.e. off-scrapings (figuratively, scum):--offscouring.
Root Family
περίψωμα (peripsōma) — scrapings, refuse, dregs, material scraped off, social outcast
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4067-01 |
περίψημα | peripsema | N NOM N SG |
the refuse | scraped-off refuse | scraped-off refuse | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4067-01 |
1 Corinthians 4:13 | περίψημα | peripsema | N NOM N SG |
the refuse | scraped-off refuse | scraped-off refuse |