Pronunciation Guide: ah-kol-oo-THEH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G190: ἀκολουθέω fundamentally means “to follow” or “to accompany,” but carries deeper connotations of becoming a devoted disciple, joining one’s self to a teacher, and conforming one’s life to the example of another. In the New Testament, it predominantly describes the act of following the Messiah Jesus as His disciple, implying both physical accompaniment and spiritual devotion.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Components: From ἀ (copulative) + κέλευθος (a road, way)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative passages, particularly in the Gospels
• Literary Context: Most frequent in discipleship narratives

ἀκολουθέω Morphology:

• ἀκολουθῶ (present active indicative) – I follow
• ἀκολουθεῖ (present active indicative, 3rd person) – he/she follows
• ἀκολούθει (present active imperative) – follow!
• ἀκολουθήσω (future active indicative) – I will follow
• ἠκολούθησαν (aorist active indicative) – they followed

Origin & History

The term ἀκολουθέω emerged from classical Greek usage where it described the act of walking the same road (κέλευθος) with someone. In Plato’s “Republic,” it appears frequently to describe students following their teachers, both physically and intellectually. Xenophon employs it in “Anabasis” to depict soldiers following their commanders, emphasizing both physical movement and loyal adherence to leadership.

The word evolved in Hellenistic Greek to encompass not just physical following but intellectual and philosophical discipleship. In the works of Aristotle, it carries the sense of logical sequence and philosophical adherence to principles, showing its development from purely physical movement to intellectual and spiritual alignment.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To follow physically as a disciple follows a master
• To follow spiritually, conforming one’s life to another’s teaching
• To accompany or go with someone as an attendant
• To follow as a consequence or result

ἀκολουθέω Translation Options:

• “Follow” – Best for contexts of physical movement and basic discipleship
• “Be a disciple” – Appropriate when emphasizing the spiritual relationship
• “Accompany” – Useful when highlighting fellowship aspects
• “Pattern after” – Effective when stressing lifestyle imitation
• “Join with” – Helpful when emphasizing community aspects of discipleship

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἀκολουθέω in Matthew 4:20 establishes its profound significance in discipleship, where Simon and Andrew immediately leave their nets to follow Jesus. This inaugurates a pattern throughout the Gospels where ἀκολουθέω represents not merely physical following but complete life transformation.

In the Septuagint, while less common, ἀκολουθέω appears in contexts of following God’s commandments and walking in His ways, prefiguring its New Testament usage. The word gains particular theological weight in the Gospel narratives where it becomes almost technical terminology for authentic discipleship.

Key verses include:

• “Immediately they left their nets and followed [ἀκολουθέω] Him.” Matthew 4:20
• “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow [ἀκολουθέω] Me.” Matthew 16:24
• “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow [ἀκολουθέω] Me.” John 10:27
• “These are the ones who follow [ἀκολουθέω] the Lamb wherever He goes.” Revelation 14:4

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the relationship between a rabbi and his disciples was profoundly more intimate than modern student-teacher relationships. When a disciple chose to “follow” a rabbi, they would literally follow them everywhere, living with them, eating with them, and adopting their master’s interpretations of Torah and way of life. The disciples would even try to imitate their rabbi’s mannerisms and way of speaking.

This understanding illuminates why the Gospel writers consistently use ἀκολουθέω rather than μανθάνω (to learn) when describing the disciples’ relationship with Jesus. They weren’t merely learning from Him; they were absorbing His entire way of life, worldview, and relationship with the Father.

Theological Significance

The consistent use of ἀκολουθέω in describing discipleship reveals profound theological truth about the nature of following the Messiah. It’s not merely intellectual assent or occasional attendance at religious gatherings, but a complete reorientation of life around Him. This helps us understand why Jesus often made seemingly harsh statements about the cost of discipleship—He wasn’t being cruel, but rather honest about what true following entails.

The word’s connection to both physical and spiritual following beautifully illustrates the incarnational nature of our faith. Just as the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, our following of Him must be embodied in both spiritual devotion and physical action. This dual nature of ἀκολουθέω reminds us that genuine faith always manifests in tangible ways.

Furthermore, the present tense usage in many Gospel passages suggests that following Jesus is not a one-time decision but a continuous action—a moment-by-moment choice to walk in His ways.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀκολουθέω challenges us to examine our own discipleship. Are we merely learning about Jesus, or are we truly following Him? This word calls us to move beyond intellectual understanding to transformative imitation of our Master. It invites us to consider whether we’re willing to physically reorient our lives—our schedules, priorities, and relationships—around following Him.

Just as the first disciples left their nets immediately, we too are called to respond to Jesus with immediate and complete devotion. This might mean leaving comfort zones, adjusting career paths, or reimagining our daily routines to better align with His leading.

Related Words

• μαθητεύω (mathēteuō) [mah-thay-TEU-oh] – To make disciples, closely related but emphasizing the teaching aspect of discipleship See G3100
• πορεύομαι (poreuomai) [po-REU-oh-mai] – To go, travel, journey, often used in parallel with following Jesus See G4198
• ὀπίσω (opisō) [o-PI-so] – Behind, after, used in phrases about following “after” Jesus See G3694
• μιμέομαι (mimeomai) [mi-MEH-oh-mai] – To imitate, emphasizing the aspect of copying behavior See G3401

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek military contexts, ἀκολουθέω was used to describe soldiers following their commander into battle, highlighting the courage and commitment involved in following Jesus.
• The word appears 90 times in the New Testament, with the vast majority of occurrences in the Gospels, highlighting its crucial role in understanding Jesus’s ministry and call to discipleship.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀκολουθώ (the contemporary form of ἀκολουθέω) to mean “follow,” including in the context of social media, creating an interesting bridge between ancient discipleship and modern forms of following.

Remember This

ἀκολουθέω represents not just a physical following but a transformative journey of becoming like the One we follow, reminding us that true discipleship demands both our steps and our hearts.