4021. periergos
Lexicon
periergos: Busybody, meddlesome, curious about trifles

Original Word: περίεργος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: periergos
Pronunciation: pe-ree'-er-gos
Phonetic Spelling: (per-ee'-er-gos)
Definition: Busybody, meddlesome, curious about trifles
Meaning: of persons: over-careful; curious, meddling, a busy-body; of things: over-wrought; superfluous; curious, uncanny; subst: curious arts, magic.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
meddlesome, belonging to magic

From peri and ergon; working all around, i.e. Officious (meddlesome, neuter plural magic) -- busybody, curious arts.

see GREEK peri

see GREEK ergon

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 4021 períergos (an adjective, derived from 4012 /perí, "all around" and 2041 /érgon, "work") – properly, worked all-around, which describes "over-doing" – i.e. spending excessive time (effort) where it doesn't belong (or should not happen).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from peri and ergon
Definition
overly careful, curious, meddling, subst. a busybody
NASB Translation
busybodies (1), magic (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4021: περίεργος

περίεργος, περιεργον (περί and ἔργον; see περί, III. 2), busy about trifles and neglectful of important matters, especially busy about other folks' affairs, a busybody: 1 Timothy 5:13 (often so in secular authors from Xenophon, mem. 1, 3, 1; περιεργων καί πολυπράγμων, Epictetus diss. 3, 1, 21); of things: τά περίεργα, impertinent and superfluous, of magic (A. V., curious) arts, Acts 19:19 (so περίεργος practising magic, Aristaen., epistles 2, 18, 2 (cf. Plutarch, Alex. 2, 5)); cf. Kypke, Observations, and Kuinoel, commentary at the passage.

Topical Lexicon
Word Origin: Derived from the Greek words "περί" (peri, meaning "around" or "about") and "ἔργον" (ergon, meaning "work" or "deed").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "περίεργος," the concept of meddling or being a busybody can be related to Hebrew terms that describe similar behaviors, such as "רָכִיל" (rakil, meaning "slanderer" or "gossip") found in Proverbs 11:13, which warns against spreading rumors and engaging in idle talk.

Usage: The word "περίεργος" is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who engage in unnecessary or inappropriate meddling. It appears in contexts where such behavior is discouraged, emphasizing the importance of minding one's own business and focusing on one's responsibilities.

Context: The term "περίεργος" is found in the New Testament, specifically in the context of early Christian communities where maintaining order and focus on spiritual growth was essential. In 1 Timothy 5:13, the Apostle Paul warns against young widows becoming "idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, speaking things they should not." Here, "περίεργος" is translated as "busybodies," highlighting the disruptive nature of such behavior within the community.

The admonition against being a "περίεργος" is rooted in the broader biblical principle of living a quiet and productive life, as seen in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:11, which encourages believers to "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your hands." The focus is on personal responsibility and contributing positively to the community rather than being a source of unnecessary interference.

The concept of being a "περίεργος" is contrasted with the virtues of diligence, discretion, and respect for others' privacy. It serves as a reminder of the importance of self-discipline and the potential harm that can arise from neglecting one's duties in favor of meddling in others' affairs.

Forms and Transliterations
περιεργα περίεργα περιεργοι περίεργοι perierga períerga periergoi períergoi
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 19:19 Adj-ANP
GRK: τῶν τὰ περίεργα πραξάντων συνενέγκαντες
NAS: who practiced magic brought
KJV: which used curious arts brought
INT: of those who the magic arts had practiced having brought

1 Timothy 5:13 Adj-NMP
GRK: φλύαροι καὶ περίεργοι λαλοῦσαι τὰ
NAS: gossips and busybodies, talking
KJV: and busybodies, speaking
INT: gossips and busy-bodies speaking things [they]

Strong's Greek 4021
2 Occurrences


περίεργα — 1 Occ.
περίεργοι — 1 Occ.















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