Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for Biblical studies as it deepens our comprehension of the original text and context in which the New Testament was written. The Greek verb ἐπακολουθέω (epakoloutheō) is significant because it captures the idea of following closely or accompanying someone or something. This concept is important not only for interpreting specific passages in the New Testament but also for understanding the dynamics of discipleship and mentorship in the early Christian and broader Greek cultures.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπακολουθέω, transliterated as epakoloutheō [eh-pah-ko-loo-THEH-oh].
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπί (epi, meaning “upon” or “towards”) and ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō, meaning “to follow”).
• Part of Speech: Verb; used in both active and middle voices.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To follow closely, accompany.
• To attend or accompany with intent or purpose.
• To adhere to or follow after, often in the sense of discipleship or alignment.

Similar Words: ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō) [ah-ko-loo-THEH-oh] also means “to follow,” but without the prefix ἐπί, it can have a more general sense of following or accompanying someone. συνοδεύω (synodeuō) [soo-no-DEH-oh] means “to accompany” and carries a sense of journeying together or being in company with.

Further Insights: ἐπακολουθέω is a compound verb formed by adding the prefix ἐπί to ἀκολουθέω. This combination often intensifies the action, implying a stronger or more purposeful following. Below is a table showing the verb’s conjugation in the present indicative active form:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek to learn more about Greek grammar, including verb conjugations.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The lexicon defines ἐπακολουθέω as “to follow closely or attend to” and notes its usage in contexts involving discipleship, loyalty, or close accompaniment.

Thayers: Describes ἐπακολουθέω as “to follow after or accompany,” emphasizing the sense of accompanying someone as a disciple or a close follower.

Vines: Highlights that ἐπακολουθέω can imply a stronger sense of following compared to its root word, ἀκολουθέω, particularly in contexts where a deeper commitment or intentionality is involved.

LSJ: Lists ἐπακολουθέω as “to follow or accompany,” with examples from classical literature where the verb is used to describe both physical and metaphorical following.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Notes ἐπακολουθέω as a compound of ἐπί and ἀκολουθέω, meaning “to accompany closely,” often suggesting a purposeful or determined following.

Related Scripture References

• 1 Timothy 5:10: “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed (ἐπακολουθησασα) every good work.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπακολουθέω (G1872: Epakoloutheō)

The Greek verb ἐπακολουθέω (epakoloutheō) carries the sense of following closely or accompanying someone or something with intention. It appears in both biblical and classical contexts to denote purposeful discipleship, loyalty, or close adherence to a path or teaching. Understanding this word helps us grasp the dynamics of mentorship, discipleship, and spiritual following in the early Christian and broader Greek cultural contexts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the concept of ἐπακολουθέω (following closely) was not just a religious or spiritual idea in ancient Greece? It also applied to philosophical teachings and military leadership, where followers were expected to adhere closely to the teachings or orders of their leaders. This word thus embodies the importance of loyalty, dedication, and purposeful companionship in various aspects of life.