What does pericope mean?
A pericope is a short excerpt or distinct section taken from a larger work. Its most established use is in the study of religious texts, where scholars refer to a pericope from the Bible or a particular Gospel as a passage that can be examined as a meaningful unit. More generally, the word can describe any identifiable segment of a written or recorded work, such as an interview, article, or historical document. “Pericope” is more specialized than everyday words such as “excerpt” or “passage” because it often suggests a section with some degree of literary, thematic, or historical unity. The word comes from a Greek term associated with cutting out or selecting a portion. It is useful when precision is needed to identify a bounded passage within a much larger composition.
nounA short passage or excerpt from a larger work, especially a text of religious significance. The term can also refer more generally to a self-contained section of a written or spoken work.
- A short passage or excerpt from a larger work, especially a biblical or religious text.
- A distinct section or portion of a written, spoken, or otherwise recorded work.
"The scholar compared two pericopes from the same ancient manuscript."
"The lecture focused on a single pericope from the Hebrew Bible."
"Her interview contains a pericope that explains the author's central argument."
The plural is used when referring to multiple excerpts or sections of a larger work.
"Several pericopes from the manuscript have been dated to the late medieval period."
A pericope is a literary miniature: a complete little window opened onto a much larger work.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pericope come from?
The word comes from Greek perikopē, meaning a cutting or an excerpt, and ultimately from perikoptein, “to cut around.” The term entered English in the 17th century and was initially associated with the reading or interpretation of scripture. Its development reflects the practice of selecting and examining discrete passages from larger religious texts.
How pericope is actually used
The word is more common in academic, religious, literary, and historical contexts than in everyday speech. In biblical studies, it usually refers to a self-contained narrative or teaching passage, such as one of the sections of a Gospel.