from κατά and ἀκολουθέω; to accompany closely:--follow (after).
Transliteration:katakolouthéō
Pronunciation:kat-ak-ol-oo-theh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb katakolouthéō (`{{G2628}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (`{{G2596}}`, often meaning "down," "against," or intensifying) and the verb ἀκολουθέω (`{{G190}}`, "to follow," "to accompany"). The prefix κατά in this context serves to intensify the action of following, suggesting a close, persistent, or even devoted accompaniment. It implies more than a casual trailing; rather, it denotes a deliberate act of staying close to someone, often in their wake or by their side. The semantic range thus centers on "to follow closely," "to accompany persistently," or "to attend upon." It conveys a sense of direct and intentional adherence to the path or presence of another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word katakolouthéō (`{{G2628}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, each instance providing a distinct yet illustrative context for its meaning:
* **Luke 23:55**: "The women who had come with him from Galilee katakolouthéō and saw the tomb and how his body was laid." Here, the verb describes the actions of the women who had faithfully followed Jesus during his ministry. Their katakolouthéō Joseph of Arimathea to the tomb signifies their deep devotion and commitment, even in the face of death and sorrow. They were not merely observing from a distance but were actively accompanying the process, desiring to witness the final disposition of their Lord's body. This highlights a loyal, sorrowful, and determined close following.
* **Acts 16:17**: "She katakolouthéō Paul and us, crying out, 'These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.'" In this passage, the verb describes the persistent and intrusive following of a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. Her katakolouthéō implies a relentless, perhaps even harassing, accompaniment that drew attention and created a disturbance. The intensity of κατά here might suggest a "following after" in a persistent, almost tracking manner, emphasizing the continuous nature of her actions until Paul was compelled to act. This instance demonstrates a persistent following that is not born of devotion but of a spiritual affliction and an unsettling declaration.
These two occurrences, though few, paint a clear picture of katakolouthéō as a purposeful and sustained act of accompanying, whether motivated by deep loyalty or by an unsettling, persistent presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is ἀκολουθέω (`{{G190}}`), the base verb for "to follow." While ἀκολουθέω can describe general following, katakolouthéō (`{{G2628}}`) adds an intensified nuance of closeness and persistence due to the κατά prefix.
Other related terms that convey aspects of following or accompaniment include:
* ἔπομαι (`{{G2032}}`): "to follow," "to accompany," often implying a natural sequence or being in the company of.
* διώκω (`{{G1377}}`): "to pursue," "to follow after," often with the intent to overtake, apprehend, or persecute. While διώκω can imply following, it carries a stronger sense of active pursuit, sometimes with hostile intent or zealous effort, which differs from the more passive yet persistent accompaniment of katakolouthéō.
The concept of "discipleship" is deeply tied to "following" in the New Testament, though katakolouthéō is not used in direct reference to a disciple's relationship with Jesus. However, the women in Luke 23:55 exemplify the steadfast commitment and close attendance characteristic of true followers, even if the specific term for their action is rare.
### Theological Significance
Despite its limited occurrences, katakolouthéō (`{{G2628}}`) carries significant theological weight in its specific contexts.
In Luke 23:55, the katakolouthéō of the women highlights a profound aspect of discipleship: unwavering devotion and steadfast presence even in suffering and death. Their act of closely following Joseph of Arimathea to witness the burial of Jesus underscores their deep love, respect, and commitment to their Lord. This is a powerful testament to faithful perseverance, demonstrating that true faith remains present and attentive even when hopes seem shattered. It speaks to the embodied nature of their faith, moving them to be physically present at a moment of profound grief and transition.
In Acts 16:17, the katakolouthéō of the possessed slave girl presents a contrasting theological point. Her persistent following, though seemingly affirming Paul and Silas's message, was disruptive and rooted in a demonic source. This illustrates how even seemingly "true" statements can be uttered by unholy sources for manipulative or distracting purposes. The intensity of her following ultimately serves to highlight the spiritual battle and the need for discernment, as Paul eventually casts out the spirit. It underscores that not all forms of "following" or "accompanying" are benign or divinely inspired; some can be intrusive, deceptive, or even oppressive.
Thus, katakolouthéō underscores the nature of close accompaniment, revealing it as either a profound expression of loyal devotion or a persistent, unsettling presence that demands spiritual discernment and intervention.
### Summary
Katakolouthéō (`{{G2628}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to follow closely" or "to accompany persistently." Formed from κατά (intensifying) and ἀκολουθέω (to follow), it conveys a sense of deliberate and sustained proximity. Its two New Testament occurrences vividly illustrate this nuanced meaning: in Luke 23:55, it describes the loyal and sorrowful accompaniment of the women to Jesus' tomb, signifying profound devotion and steadfast presence. In Acts 16:17, it depicts the persistent, intrusive following of a possessed slave girl, highlighting a disruptive and spiritually problematic form of accompaniment. Though rare, katakolouthéō effectively emphasizes the intentionality and nature of being in close attendance, whether out of unwavering faith or unsettling persistence, thereby enriching our understanding of specific biblical narratives.
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