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πέρυσι

pérysi

G4070 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

An adverb meaning 'last year' or 'in the preceding year.' Its primary lexical meaning is 'in the previous year,' referring specifically to the calendar year immediately prior to the present point in speech or writing. It functions as a temporal marker designating the year before the current one. In some contexts, it serves substantivally ('the previous year').

Semantic Range

last year, a year ago, in the preceding year, during the past year

Root / Etymology

Formed from πέρας (boundary, end, limit), with the suffix -υσι indicating an adverbial temporal sense. The formation denotes 'in the period that is beyond' or 'in the time that has ended,' i.e., 'last year.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

πέρυσι is a temporal adverb attested in classical Greek (e.g., Herodotus, Plato) and remains in use through the Hellenistic and later periods, including the New Testament (see 2 Corinthians 8:10, 9:2). Its meaning remains stable across periods, referring distinctly to the immediately preceding year. As an adverb, it emphasizes factual temporal specificity, unlike more general adverbs such as πρότερον ('before' generally) or πρεσβύτερος (comparative, 'older'). English versions often translate πέρυσι as 'a year ago' or 'last year,' which accurately represents its function. There is no notable shift in its meaning or register from classical to Koine Greek. It is relatively uncommon in the New Testament, appearing only in Pauline correspondence.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from πέρας; the by-gone, i.e. (as noun) last year:--+ a year ago.

Root Family

πέρυσι (pérysi) — last year, in the previous year, during the past year

Root πέρυσ- of last year, in the previous year

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4070-01 πέρυσι perusi ADV last year last year last year 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4070-01 2 Corinthians 8:10 πέρυσι perusi ADV last year last year last year
G4070-01 2 Corinthians 9:2 πέρυσι perusi ADV last year last year last year
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