From peri (around) and chōra (region). The surrounding region, the area around a place. Used frequently of the territory around the Jordan and around Galilee.
John the Baptist's ministry drew people from 'all the surrounding country of the Jordan' (Luke 3:3). Jesus' fame spread throughout 'the entire surrounding region' (Luke 4:14). The gospel radiates outward from its point of impact, like ripples in a pond, reaching the surrounding territory and beyond.