4019. perideó
Lexical Summary
perideó: To bind around, to wrap around

Original Word: περιδέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: perideó
Pronunciation: pe-ree-DEH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (per-ee-deh'-o)
KJV: bind about
NASB: wrapped around
Word Origin: [from G4012 (περί - about) and G1210 (δέω - bound)]

1. to bind around one, i.e. enwrap

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
bind

peri and deo; to bind around one, i.e. Enwrap -- bind about.

see GREEK deo

see GREEK peri

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from peri and deó
Definition
to tie around
NASB Translation
wrapped around (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4019: περιδέω

περιδέω: pluperfect passive 3 person singular περιεδέδετο; (from Herodotus down); to bind around, tie over (cf. περί, III. 1]: τινα τίνι, John 11:44. (The Sept. Job 12:18; Plutarch, mor., p. 825 e. (i. e. praecepta ger. reipub. 32, 21; Aristotle, h. a. 9, 39, p. 628a, 14).)

Topical Lexicon
Concept Overview

Strong’s Greek 4019 describes the action of binding something completely around, enclosing it so that movement is restricted. Its single New Testament occurrence, found in John 11:44, pictures the physical wrapping of Lazarus’ limbs in grave-cloths. The verb therefore conveys both literal restraint and an atmosphere of finality that death seemed to impose—until Jesus spoke.

Historical Context: Jewish Burial Customs

First-century Judean burials typically involved washing the body, anointing it with spices (John 19:40), and winding strips of linen around the limbs and torso. A separate cloth was tied around the head to keep the jaw closed. Such wrappings were tight enough to inhibit movement; bodies were then placed in rock-hewn tombs, often sealed with a stone (Mark 15:46). The verb of John 11:44 fits naturally within this cultural practice: Lazarus was secured in a way presumed irreversible, underscoring the magnitude of the miracle that followed.

Biblical Setting: John 11:44

“The man who had died came out with his hands and feet bound with strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him and let him go.’” (John 11:44)

The binding accentuates several features of the narrative:

1. Certainty of Death: The embalming-like procedure left no doubt that Lazarus had been dead four days (John 11:17, 39).
2. Complete Helplessness: Bound hands and feet symbolize total incapacity; Lazarus could not free himself.
3. Divine Initiative: Only the authoritative voice of Jesus reversed the irreversible, causing the once-bound man to emerge alive.
4. Human Participation: Although Jesus effected resurrection, He commanded bystanders to remove the grave-cloths, illustrating a partnership in which divine power and human obedience meet (cf. John 2:7; John 9:7).

Christological Implications

The single use of this verb in connection with Jesus’ seventh sign in John reinforces the evangelist’s overarching purpose: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31). By undoing the grave’s bindings, Jesus previews His own resurrection, where grave-clothes are left behind in orderly fashion (John 20:6–7). The event therefore functions apologetically—demonstrating Jesus’ sovereignty over death—and pastorally—offering assurance of bodily resurrection for believers (John 11:25–26).

Symbolism of Binding and Release

Scripture frequently contrasts bondage with deliverance. While Strong’s 4019 is unique to John 11:44, related verbs such as δέω (“to bind,” Matthew 12:29) and λύω (“to loose,” John 11:44; Revelation 5:2) create a thematic tapestry:
• Physical bondage mirrors spiritual captivity (Luke 13:16; Romans 7:23).
• Release foretells the liberty granted in Christ (Luke 4:18; Galatians 5:1).

Thus Lazarus’ unwrapping becomes a living parable of salvation—moving from death to life, from confinement to freedom.

Pastoral and Ministry Applications

1. Assurance of Resurrection: Just as the physical bindings could not preserve Lazarus in death, so nothing can thwart the life-giving word of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
2. Call to Participate: “Unbind him” invites congregations to assist new believers in shedding remnants of the old life—habits, fears, misconceptions—through discipleship and community.
3. Compassion for the Helpless: The passage encourages ministry among those immobilized by sin, addiction, or despair, reminding servants of Christ that His authoritative word precedes and empowers practical care.

Related Passages and Themes

Isaiah 25:7–8—prophetic promise that the “shroud” of death will be destroyed.
Luke 7:14–15; 8:54–55—other raisings that foreshadow Christ’s victory.
Acts 12:6–10—literal chains falling off Peter, echoing deliverance imagery.
Revelation 20:14—death itself finally bound and cast away.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 4019 crystallizes, in a single verse, the tension between mortal finality and divine authority. The binding of Lazarus’ limbs sets the stage for Jesus’ climactic command that not only liberates a friend from a tomb but also signals the gospel’s promise of freedom from sin and death for all who believe.

Forms and Transliterations
περιδραξαμένου περιεδεδετο περιεδέδετο περιέδησε περίεστιν περιόν περιόντες periededeto periedédeto
Links
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Englishman's Concordance
John 11:44 V-LIM/P-3S
GRK: αὐτοῦ σουδαρίῳ περιεδέδετο λέγει ὁ
NAS: and his face was wrapped around with a cloth.
KJV: face was bound about with a napkin.
INT: of him with a handkerchief bound about says

Strong's Greek 4019
1 Occurrence


περιεδέδετο — 1 Occ.

4018
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