Strong’s G3979: Dative feminine form of πεζός used adverbially, meaning “on foot” or “by land.” In NT usage, describes crowds following Jesus by foot around the Sea of Galilee, highlighting their determination to hear His teaching. Shows the physical effort people made to pursue Christ.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πεζῇ represents determined pursuit of Christ, describing people’s willingness to travel substantial distances on foot to hear Jesus teach. The word carries connotations of deliberate, purposeful movement. Early church writers saw this as exemplifying spiritual hunger and dedication. Today, it reminds us of the physical and spiritual effort involved in following Jesus.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πεζῇ, pezē, [pe-ZAY]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ZAY (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adverb (from dative feminine adjective)

Etymology:

• Root: πεζός (on foot)
• Form: Dative feminine used adverbially
• Related to πούς (foot)
• Originally feminine dative case form

D – Defining Meanings

• On foot
• By land
• Walking
• Traveling overland

For compound words: Not applicable as this is an adverbialized form

Translation Options:

• On foot – Most direct translation
• By land – Contrasting with sea travel
• Walking – Contemporary equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πεζεύω [pezeuō, pe-ZEV-oh] – to travel by land
• ὁδοιπορέω [hodoiporeō, ho-doy-po-REH-oh] – to journey
• βαδίζω [badizō, ba-DEE-zo] – to walk, go

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Originally dative feminine of πεζός
• Used adverbially
• Fixed form – does not change
• Modifies verbs of motion
• Cross-references: πεζός (pedestrian), πεζεύω (to go on foot)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its adverbial usage. Thayer’s notes its contrast with sea travel. LSJ traces development from adjective to adverb. Vine’s highlights its use in gospel narratives. Moulton and Milligan show common usage in travel accounts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot [πεζῇ] from the cities.” (Matthew 14:13)

Additional References:
Mark 6:33

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πεζῇ portrays the physical determination of those seeking Jesus, reminding us that following Christ often requires tangible effort and sacrifice. The crowds’ willingness to journey on foot reflects the value of encountering Jesus, encouraging us to pursue Him regardless of the cost.

D – Did You Know?

1. Common in ancient military march descriptions
2. Used in pilgrimage accounts to holy sites
3. Became metaphor for spiritual journey in patristic literature

Strong’s G3979: Dative feminine form of πεζός used adverbially, meaning “on foot” or “by land.” In NT usage, describes crowds following Jesus by foot around the Sea of Galilee, highlighting their determination to hear His teaching. Shows the physical effort people made to pursue Christ.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: #Travel #Following #Dedication #JesusMinistry #Crowds #Discipleship #PhysicalEffort #Determination #Gospels #Pursuit​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​