### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epakolouthéō**, represented by `{{G1872}}`, is derived from ἐπί and ἀκολουθέω and means **to accompany or follow after**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word conveys the idea of following closely, either as an imitator, a consequence, or an attestation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G1872}}` describes several kinds of "following." It is used to call believers to **follow** in the **steps** of Christ, imitating the example He left for them in His suffering [[1 Peter 2:21]]. It also describes the supernatural signs that **follow** the preaching of the word, confirming its divine origin [[Mark 16:20]]. In a practical sense, it characterizes a person who has diligently **followed** every good work, indicating a life of active piety [[1 Timothy 5:10]]. Finally, it is used in a context of judgment, where some men's sins **follow after** them, becoming evident later [[1 Timothy 5:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G1872}}` in its specific contexts:
* `{{G2487}}` **íchnos** (a track (figuratively):--step): This word is the direct object of following in the call to discipleship. Believers are instructed to follow in Christ's **steps** [[1 Peter 2:21]], meaning to trace the path He laid out.
* `{{G4254}}` **proágō** (to lead forward... to precede): This word is used in direct contrast to `{{G1872}}`. While some sins are obvious and **go before** a person to judgment, others **follow after** [[1 Timothy 5:24]], highlighting a temporal sequence in how actions are revealed.
* `{{G950}}` **bebaióō** (to stabilitate (figuratively):--confirm, (e-)stablish): This word shows the purpose of the signs that "follow." The signs served to **confirm** the word that the apostles preached [[Mark 16:20]], providing stabilizing evidence for their message.
### Theological Significance
The theological concepts associated with `{{G1872}}` are significant for understanding the Christian life and divine justice.
* **Imitation of Christ:** The most direct application is the call for a believer to live in a way that follows Christ's example. This is not a passive belief but an active pursuit of His path [[1 Peter 2:21]].
* **Confirmation of Truth:** The word is used to show that God's power accompanies His message. The signs that were **following** the apostles' preaching served as divine testimony, confirming the word they spoke [[Mark 16:20]].
* **Inevitable Consequence:** `{{G1872}}` is used to illustrate that actions have consequences that trail behind them. While some sins are immediately obvious, others **follow after** a person, eventually coming to light at the time of judgment [[1 Timothy 5:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1872}}` is a dynamic term that describes more than simple movement. It defines a crucial aspect of discipleship as the imitation of Christ's example. It also illustrates the principle that actions and words have tangible results that accompany them, whether as divine signs confirming the truth or as sins trailing a person toward judgment. The word captures the idea that what we do and what is true will have something closely following it.
TRV