περιτέμνω
To circumcise
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does περιτέμνω (peritémnō) mean in the Bible?
περιτέμνω (peritémnō) is a Greek word meaning "to circumcise". περι-τέμνω [in LXX chiefly for מוּל ;] (Ion. Represents the contested requirement being added to the gospel. This term runs through the canonical themes of Covenant, Redemption.
Full entry for περιτέμνω (G4059) · Browse the biblical lexicon
Meaning
Literal circumcision or metaphorically, spiritual circumcision of the heart in Christ.
(Ion., Epic. and late writers), to cut around (Hdt.), hence, to circumcise (π. τὰ αἰδοῖα, Hdt.) : Luk.1:59 2:21, Jhn.7:22, Act.7:8 15:5 16:3 21:21. Pass. and mid., to be circumcised, receive circumcision: Act.15:1, 1Co.7:18, Gal.2:3 5:2-3 6:12-13 Metaphorical (cf. Deu.10:16, Jer.4:4, al.), Col.2:11 (see Deiss., BS, 151 f.; MM, xix).
Why This Word Matters
Represents the contested requirement being added to the gospel. Acts 15:1-5
Illustrates strategic accommodation distinct from salvation requirement. Acts 16:1-5
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
Infinitive verbal noun — the action in abstract 7×
Indicative states a fact or reality 4×
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 2×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 3×
Imperative command or strong request 1×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 17 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
New Testament Witnesses
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain