περί
around
The root meaning of the preposition περί means around. The genitive and accusative cases may use this preposition. When used with the genitive, it expresses “about” in a generally concerning manner. The accusative employs it to convey “around” relating to position, and specifically about. In composition, περί keeps its root meaning, “around”, adding emphasis.
Because the law was weak through the flesh, the Son of God came in the likeness of sinful flesh concerning sin (Romans 8:3). Christ is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, not of the Levitical order. He is from the tribe of Judah, a tribe Moses spoke nothing about a priesthood (Hebrews 7:14). Christ suffered once concerning sins, the just for the unjust, that He should bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18). So great a cloud of witnesses surrounds us. From Abel to Rahab, the evidence of faith is clearly displayed. Can we even have enough time to speak concerning Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets, and all those who trusted in God, leaving a witness of faith? (Hebrews 11:32).
The genitive uses περί with πᾶς to express, “generally concerning all things.” In 3 John 2, the apostle pens, “Beloved, generally concerning all things I request you to prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied the LORD coming with ten thousands of His saints to execute judgement according to all things, to convict the soul generally concerning all things from the works of the ungodly, and generally concerning all the harsh things which the sinners have spoken against Him (Jude 15).
While Cornelius was praying, specifically about the night hour of the day, he saw a vision of a angel of God, who instructed him to send for Peter (Acts 10:3). The next day, as the men from Cornelius traveled, at specifically the sixth hour, Peter went to the rooftop to pray (Acts 10:9).
When Paul and those around him sailed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia, from which John Mark departed to return to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). In response to a large crowd of Jews seeking to kill him, Paul proclaims he is a Jew from Tarsus to the commander who saved him. He then addresses the crowd, proclaiming all that God had done, for he was Saul, who persecuted those of the way until the Lord corrected his path. While he was on the road to Damascus to continue his campaign against those proclaiming the resurrection of Christ, specifically about noon a great light came from heaven (Acts 22:6).
περί may express “in behalf of.” In Matthew 26:28, περί expresses “in behalf of” concerning the blood of the new covenant. This blood was shed in behalf of many for the sending away of sins. Every high priest taken from men is appointed on behalf of men in the things pertaining to God. He can be compassionate on those who are ignorant and have gone astray because he himself is subject to weakness. Because of his own weakness, he is required to make a sacrifice in behalf of the people and himself (Hebrews 5:3).
In composition, περί retains its root meaning of around.
John came proclaiming to Israel to make straight the way of the Lord. In Jerusalem and all of Judea, along with the surrounding regions, many went to the Jordan to be immersed by him (Matthew 3:5). In Acts 28:20, Paul speaks of his bound around him because of the hope of Israel. περιπατέω describes a person’s conduct by using περί with walk, Ephesians 5:2. περιβάλλω conveys throwing clothing on, Revelation 1:13. Being a busybody or meddling in others’ affairs is expressed by περιεργάζομαι (περί with ἐργάζομαι–work), 2 Thessalonians 3:11. To stand away with uses περί with ἵστημι to convey withdraw (περιίστημι), 2 Timothy 2:16.