περίεργος

The Greek word "περίεργος" (periergos) appears twice in the Bible and can be translated to "meddlesome" or "magic." The short definition provided suggests that "περὶ" (peri) means "around" and "ἔργον" (ergon) means "work" or "effort," implying that the word describes individuals who engage in excessive or unnecessary activity around their work. Given its association with "magic," we can infer that "περίεργος" might imply a focus on the supernatural or mysterious aspects of life. The usage of "περίεργος" in the Bible highlights its connection to spiritual or supernatural activities. It's worth noting that the concept of "meddlesome" magic may not be mutually exclusive, as it implies an excessive involvement with matters that are not properly understood or controlled. This nuance is important because it suggests that the word has a more critical connotation than simply being "meddlesome" in a neutral sense. In summary, the Greek word "περίεργος" is a label that describes individuals who engage excessively in spiritual or supernatural matters, often with negative connotations. Its range of usage is limited to two occurrences in the Bible, but its significance lies in the insight it provides into the social and spiritual contexts of the time.