Brief Overview of περιπατέω (Strong’s G4043: peripateo)

Strong’s G4043: A compound verb combining περί (around) and πατέω (to walk), meaning “to walk about, conduct one’s life.” Used both literally for physical walking and metaphorically for Christian conduct and lifestyle, emphasizing the practical outworking of faith in daily behavior.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιπατέω represents both physical movement and moral conduct. As a compound word, it combines the encompassing aspect of περί with the walking action of πατέω, creating a picture of comprehensive lifestyle behavior. In the New Testament, it appears in both literal contexts (Jesus walking by the sea) and metaphorical usage (walking in the light, in love, in truth). The word carries profound theological significance in describing Christian living as a continuous journey of faith. Early church writers expanded its usage to discuss practical discipleship and moral behavior. Today, it continues to emphasize that faith must be expressed in daily conduct.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιπατέω, peripateo, [peh-ree-pah-TEH-oh]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-pah-TEH-oh (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around”
• πατέω (pateo): root verb meaning “to walk”
• Combined meaning: to walk about continuously

D – Defining Meanings

• To walk about physically
• To conduct one’s life
• To behave, live

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “about, around” to πατέω “to walk,” creating the sense of continuous movement or behavior

Translation Options:

1. Walk – Literal/metaphorical
2. Live – Lifestyle emphasis
3. Conduct oneself – Behavioral focus

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πορεύομαι [poreuomai, po-REW-oh-mai] – to go, proceed
• στοιχέω [stoicheo, stoy-KHEH-oh] – to walk in line
• ἀναστρέφω [anastrepho, ah-nah-STREH-fo] – to conduct oneself

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: All persons
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous or completed

Examples: walk, walks, walked, walking

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its ethical implications. LSJ provides examples from daily life. Vine’s connects it to Christian conduct. Strong’s emphasizes continuous action. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And [walking] by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother.” (Matthew 4:18)

Additional References:
John 8:12, Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10, 1 John 1:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιπατέω powerfully illustrates that following King Jesus involves both movement and lifestyle. Just as Jesus physically walked calling disciples, we are called to walk in His ways daily. This promotes the good news by emphasizing that faith is expressed in practical, observable living.

D – Did You Know?

1. Gave name to Aristotle’s school (Peripatetics)
2. Used in medical texts for exercise
3. Became key term in early Christian ethics

Strong’s G4043: Compound verb expressing both physical walking and manner of life. Used extensively in NT for Christian conduct and lifestyle. Emphasizes practical expression of faith in daily behavior and continuous spiritual progress.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #Conduct #Lifestyle #Discipleship #Walking #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #ChristianLiving #Ethics #Faith #Practice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​