G4026 περιΐστημι (periḯstēmi)

Avoid (4026) (periistemi from peri = around + histemi = to stand) means literally to stand around which is the use in 2 of the 4 NT occurrences (see below). The word can also mean to turn oneself about or to be a "bystander". The figurative meaning is to turn oneself about for the purpose of avoiding something. The action called for is to be aloof and keep oneself away from being involved in some activity. This figurative use pictures one actually going around something in order to avoid it. Phillips translates it "steer clear". Another source renders it "give them a wide berth". Paul is telling Titus as well as the other church leaders on Crete to stand aloof so that he will avoid foolish unprofitable and worthless speculations. Those who taught these things listed below not only polluted and corrupted the churches but, by their sinful lifestyles hindered the credibility of the gospel. How does this type of leaven corrupt the church? The NT gives several effects of false teaching -- It unsettles the soul (Acts 15:24), shipwrecks faith (1Ti 1:19), leads to the ruin of the hearers (2Ti 2:14-note), produces ungodliness (2Ti 2:16-note), and spreads “like gangrene” (2Ti 2:17-note). Periistemi is used 4 times in the (Jn 11:42; Acts 25:7; 2Ti 2:16; Titus 3:9) and 3 times in the Septuagint (LXX) (Jos 6:3; 1 Sam 4:15; 2 Sam 13:31) and is translated: avoid, 2; standing around, 1; stood around, 1. Periistemi is used with the literal meaning in John and Acts... John 11:42 "And I knew that Thou hearest Me always; but because of the people standing around (periistemi) I said it, that they may believe that Thou didst send Me." Acts 25:7 And after he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him which they could not prove; Paul used periistemi figuratively in his command to Timothy to... Avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness (see note 2 Timothy 2:16). In both Titus 3:8 and 2Ti 2:16-note periistemi is a command in the present imperative which calls for a continual action on the part of Titus and Timothy. The charge is to shun these things, deliberately and habitually avoiding them. "Turn yourself about so that you will avoid these things". "Continually place yourself at a distance from these and stand aloof from them." The middle voice speaks of a reflexive action, one in which the subject initiates the action and participates in effect of the action. The idea of "reflexive" is that it expresses action directed on oneself. You yourself do this is the idea. This command is specifically given to Titus but obviously applies to believers because no one is completely exempt from the corruptive influence of falsehood. Just as a doctor cannot help being exposed to a dangerous disease he is treating, a godly preacher or teacher cannot help being exposed to dangerous ideas. But just as a doctor keeps exposure to the minimum and concentrates on destroying the disease, so the godly preacher or teacher must keep exposure to falsehood at a minimum, while opposing and seeking to exterminate it with the truth. The spiritual plight of many denominations and Christian institutions that once were solidly biblical is abundant proof of the pernicious and pervasive destructiveness of false doctrine. Now Paul "lists" 4 things Titus (and every believer) is to "steer clear of". Each of these nouns lacks the definite article in the Greek ("the") which stresses the quality of these things (as opposed to a specific controversy that may have arisen... he is to shun foolish controversies in general, and the same for genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law). The same sort of problems also existed at Ephesus (cf. 1Ti 1:3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Spurgeon comments that... There are always plenty of thorn about, and there are certain professors who spend half their lives in fighting about nothing at all. There is no more in their contention than the difference between Tweedledum and Tweedledee; but they will divide a church over it, they will go through the world as if they had found out a great secret,-it really is not of any consequence whatever,-but having made the discovery, they judge everybody by their new-found fad, and so spread a spirit that is contrary to the Spirit of Christ. There are hundreds of questions, which are thought by some people to be very important, but which have no practical bearing whatever, either upon the glory of God, or upon the holiness of man. We are not to go into these matters; let those who have time to waste take up these questions; as for us, we have not time enough for things that are unprofitable and vain. Spurgeon's devotional on Titus 3:9... Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our Churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions upon points wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to God alone; upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon mere modes of observing human ceremonials, are all foolish, and wise men avoid them. Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle’s precept (Titus 3:8) to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings. There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish, which we must not avoid, but fairly and honestly meet, such as these: Do I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Am I renewed in the spirit of my mind? Am I walking not after the flesh, but after the Spirit? Am I growing in grace? Does my conversation adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour? Am I looking for the coming of the Lord, and watching as a servant should do who expects his master? What more can I do for Jesus? Such enquiries as these urgently demand our attention; and if we have been at all given to cavilling, let us now turn our critical abilities to a service so much more profitable. Let us be peace-makers, and endeavour to lead others both by our precept and example, to “avoid foolish questions.” (Morning and evening) "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/titus_39-11.htm#avoid