Introduction

Understanding the nuances of Greek words is crucial for accurate interpretation of the New Testament and for appreciating the cultural context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐμπεριπατέω (emperipateō) is a compound verb that appears in the New Testament, carrying the idea of walking around or walking within. This term, while not frequently encountered, offers insight into the broader cultural and religious practices of the time, as well as the metaphorical language often employed by the New Testament authors. By examining ἐμπεριπατέω, we gain a deeper understanding of how physical actions were used to describe spiritual or moral states in early Christian thought.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμπεριπατέω (emperipateō) [em-pe-ree-pa-TEH-oh]
• Etymology: This word is a compound of the preposition ἐν (en), meaning “in” or “within,” and the verb περιπατέω (peripateō), meaning “to walk” or “to walk around.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; (present, active, indicative).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To walk about: This is the most literal meaning, indicating physical movement or walking around within a specific area.
• To walk in or within: Used metaphorically to describe how one conducts oneself within a particular environment or context, often with moral or spiritual implications.

Similar Words:

• περιπατέω (peripateō) [pe-ree-pa-TEH-oh]: This word simply means “to walk” or “to walk around.” While similar to ἐμπεριπατέω, it lacks the specific connotation of walking within or being enclosed in a particular space.
• ἐμβαίνω (embainō) [em-BAI-noh]: Meaning “to enter” or “to embark,” this verb shares the prefix ἐν- (en-) with ἐμπεριπατέω, but it focuses more on the act of entering a space rather than walking within it.
• διαβαίνω (diabainō) [dee-ah-BAI-noh]: This term means “to cross” or “to pass over” and differs from ἐμπεριπατέω in that it emphasizes moving from one place to another rather than walking within a confined space.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: The word ἐμπεριπατέω is a compound verb formed from ἐν (en) and περιπατέω (peripateō). It is in the present, active, indicative form, which suggests a continuous or habitual action.
• Linguistic Features: The use of ἐν (en) as a prefix intensifies the meaning of περιπατέω, implying a more specific or enclosed area of walking. This can be seen as emphasizing the environment or context in which the walking takes place, making the action more deliberate and focused.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG lists ἐμπεριπατέω as a verb meaning “to walk about in” or “to walk around within,” often with a connotation of remaining within a specific area. It also notes that this term can be used metaphorically to describe a way of life or conduct.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐμπεριπατέω as “to walk in or within,” highlighting its use in the New Testament to convey the idea of living or behaving within a particular moral or spiritual sphere.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes the metaphorical use of ἐμπεριπατέω in describing how one conducts oneself in life, particularly in a spiritual or religious context. It notes the importance of the word in describing the Christian walk or life.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces the classical usage of ἐμπεριπατέω, where it often described physical movement within a specific space, such as a garden or a city. It also mentions its metaphorical usage in philosophical and rhetorical contexts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐμπεριπατέω as “to walk about” or “to walk within,” noting its occurrence in the New Testament and its relevance to understanding the concept of living or behaving within a particular moral or spiritual framework.

Scripture References

• 2 Corinthians 6:16 – “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk (ἐμπεριπατήσω) among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμπεριπατέω (G1704: emperipateō)

The Greek verb ἐμπεριπατέω (emperipateō) conveys the idea of walking around or within a particular space, often used metaphorically to describe how one lives or behaves within a specific moral or spiritual context. This word, though not frequently used in the New Testament, offers rich insights into the ancient Greek understanding of movement, both physical and metaphorical. By examining ἐμπεριπατέω, we can better appreciate the layered meanings of “walking” as used by the New Testament authors to describe the Christian life and conduct. The term emphasizes the deliberate and conscious manner in which one should live, in alignment with the divine presence within one’s life.

Did You Know?

The verb ἐμπεριπατέω is closely related to the philosophical practices of ancient Greece, where walking within specific places, such as the Academy or the Lyceum, was not just a physical activity but also a means of intellectual and spiritual engagement. This association between walking and thinking or living deliberately is reflected in its metaphorical use in the New Testament to describe the Christian’s spiritual journey.