### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3716 (orthopodéō) (ὀρθοποδέω) is a compound word formed from ὀρθός (orthos - `{{G3717}}`), meaning "straight," "upright," or "correct," and πούς (pous - `{{G4228}}`), meaning "foot." Literally, it signifies "to be straight-footed" or "to walk with straight feet." Figuratively, and more commonly in its theological application, it conveys the idea of walking uprightly, acting consistently, or proceeding directly forward in a moral or ethical sense. It implies a trajectory that is not crooked, wavering, or hypocritical, but rather aligns with a correct standard or path.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3716 (orthopodéō) is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament, appearing only once in [[Galatians 2:14]]. In this pivotal passage, Paul recounts his confrontation with Peter in Antioch: "But when I saw that they were not walking uprightly (οὐκ ὀρθοποδοῦσιν) according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, 'If you, being a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?'"
The context reveals Peter's inconsistent behavior. Initially, he had been eating with Gentile believers, demonstrating the unity of the gospel. However, upon the arrival of certain individuals from James, Peter withdrew and separated himself from the Gentiles, fearing those of the circumcision. This action, though perhaps motivated by a desire to avoid offending Jewish Christians, was deemed by Paul as a failure to "walk uprightly" according to the truth of the gospel. Peter's conduct was not consistent with the theological reality of salvation by grace through faith, which transcends ethnic and ceremonial distinctions. His "walk" or practice was not "straight" in alignment with the "truth of the gospel," thereby undermining the unity and freedom that the gospel proclaims for all believers, Jew and Gentile alike.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of G3716 (orthopodéō) provide crucial connections to related concepts. The component ὀρθός (orthos - `{{G3717}}`) is found in other significant New Testament words, such as ὀρθοτομέω (orthotoméō - `{{G3718}}`), meaning "to cut straight" or "to handle correctly," as seen in [[2 Timothy 2:15]] regarding "rightly dividing the word of truth." This linguistic link underscores the idea of "correctness" or "rightness" in both doctrine and practice.
The concept of "walking" (περιπατέω - peripatéō - `{{G4043}}`) is a common biblical metaphor for one's conduct or manner of life. To "walk uprightly" thus stands in contrast to "walking in darkness," "walking according to the flesh," or "walking in hypocrisy." Key related concepts include:
* **Truth (ἀλήθεια - alētheia - `{{G225}}`):** The standard by which one's walk is measured.
* **Integrity:** The consistency between one's beliefs and actions.
* **Sincerity:** The absence of pretense or hypocrisy (ὑπόκρισις - hypókrisis - `{{G5272}}`).
* **Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη - dikaiosýnē - `{{G1343}}`):** A state of conformity to God's standard, which should be reflected in one's walk.
* **Consistency:** Living out the implications of the gospel without wavering.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of G3716 (orthopodéō) in [[Galatians 2:14]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful indictment against inconsistency and hypocrisy within the Christian community, especially concerning the implications of the gospel.
1. **Gospel Integrity:** The word emphasizes that the truth of the gospel is not merely a set of doctrines to be believed, but a transformative reality that must shape one's entire life and conduct. To "walk uprightly according to the truth of the gospel" means living in a manner that is consistent with the radical inclusivity and freedom that the gospel proclaims. Peter's actions compromised this truth by implying that fellowship with Gentiles required adherence to Jewish customs, thereby undermining the sufficiency of Christ's work.
2. **Authenticity vs. Hypocrisy:** Paul's use of orthopodéō highlights the critical need for authenticity in Christian living. Peter's behavior, though perhaps not intentionally malicious, was a form of practical hypocrisy. It created a division where the gospel had established unity. The word calls believers to a life where their outward actions genuinely reflect their inward convictions and the truth they profess.
3. **Practical Theology:** This term underscores that theology is not abstract but profoundly practical. The theological truth of justification by faith, which breaks down all barriers, must translate into tangible expressions of fellowship and equality within the church. A failure to "walk uprightly" in this context is a failure to live out the very essence of the gospel.
4. **Leadership Accountability:** The confrontation of Peter, a prominent apostle, by Paul demonstrates that no one, regardless of their position, is exempt from accountability to the truth of the gospel and the requirement to walk consistently with it.
### Summary
G3716 (orthopodéō) signifies "to walk uprightly" or "to go directly forward," derived from the literal sense of having "straight feet." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Galatians 2:14]] is crucial, describing Peter's failure to act consistently with the truth of the gospel at Antioch. Peter's withdrawal from Gentile believers, driven by fear of Judaizers, was a deviation from the "straight path" dictated by gospel principles, fostering division and undermining the unity Christ established. This word powerfully underscores the necessity of integrity, consistency, and authenticity in Christian conduct. It serves as a vital reminder that our "walk" – our daily life, decisions, and relationships – must be genuinely aligned with the "truth of the gospel," avoiding hypocrisy and upholding the radical freedom and unity found in Jesus Christ.
TRV