ESTUDIO DE LA PALABRA GRIEGA
Peri (περί) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
περί (peri) is a common Greek preposition meaning 'about' or 'concerning,' used with the genitive for topic/reference and with the accusative for place, time, or association.
Significado de la palabra
περί is a preposition whose basic spatial sense is 'around' or 'round about,' but in the New Testament it is most often used in a figurative, relational sense. With the genitive case, it marks the topic or subject about which something is said — essentially 'concerning' or 'with reference to.' This is its most frequent role in the Gospels and Epistles (cf. Matt. 2:7; Matt. 11:7).
With the accusative case, περί retains a more literal sense of place ('around,' Matt. 3:4), can mark a circle of associates (οἱ περί — 'those around,' Mark 4:10), and indicates approximate time ('about,' Matt. 20:3, 9). It can also carry a causal nuance ('on account of,' Matt. 26:28; 1 Cor. 1:13), where it sometimes overlaps with ὑπέρ.
The phrase τὰ περί τινος ('the things concerning someone') is a common construction summarizing a person's affairs or situation (Mark 5:27; Acts 1:3; Eph. 6:22). In compound forms, περί contributes ideas of 'around' (περιβάλλω), 'over and above' (περιποιέω), or 'to excess' (περισσεύω).
Uso en las Escrituras
In narrative contexts, περί with the genitive frequently introduces the subject of speech or inquiry — what is being asked, taught, or prophesied about (Matt. 11:7; Matt. 15:7; Matt. 17:13). This topical use is so common that the KJV renders it variously as 'of,' 'concerning,' 'touching,' or 'about.'
In spatial and temporal descriptions, περί with the accusative situates an event around a location or near a specific hour (Matt. 3:4; Matt. 20:3, 5; Acts 10:3, 9). The expression οἱ περί τινα identifies a person's circle of companions — disciples, soldiers, or coworkers (Mark 4:10; John 11:19; Acts 13:13). Readers should note the case (genitive vs. accusative) to determine whether the writer is pointing to a topic or to a place/time/circle.
La palabra en detalle
- G4012 περί is a versatile preposition (G4012). Its core idea is 'around,' but with the genitive it predominantly means 'concerning/with reference to,' and with the accusative it can mean 'around' (place), 'about' (time), or mark an associated group (οἱ περί). It also functions causally, sometimes overlapping with ὑπέρ ('on behalf of/on account of').
Versículos de ejemplo
- Matthew 2:7 Herod inquires περί τοῦ ἀστέρος — 'about the star' — a clear topical (genitive) use: Herod wants information concerning a subject.
- Matthew 3:4 περί τὴν ὀσφ�ν αὐτοῦ — 'around his waist.' Here the accusative keeps the literal, spatial sense of 'about/around' a body part.
- Matthew 11:7 Jesus speaks περὶ Ἰωάννου — 'concerning John.' A standard example of περί + genitive introducing the topic of discourse.
- Acts 13:13 οἱ περὶ Παῦλον — 'those around Paul,' i.e., Paul's companions. This accusative use marks an associated circle of people traveling together.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is the basic meaning of περί (G4012)?
Its basic sense is 'around,' but in the New Testament it most often means 'about/concerning' (with the genitive) or marks place, time, or a circle of companions (with the accusative).
How do I know whether περί means 'about a topic' or 'around a place'?
Look at the case of the noun that follows. Genitive ('about the matter') signals topic; accusative ('around the city') signals location, approximate time, or an associated group.
Does περί ever mean 'on behalf of' like ὑπέρ?
Yes. In causal contexts περί can mean 'on account of,' and the lexicons note it sometimes overlaps with ὑπέρ, though they are distinct prepositions with distinct primary uses.