from περί and πατέω; to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary):--go, be occupied with, walk (about).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4043 *peripatéō* is a compound word derived from the preposition περί (*peri*), meaning "around" or "about," and the verb πατέω (*patéō*), meaning "to tread" or "to walk." Literally, *peripatéō* signifies "to walk around," "to tread all around," or "to walk at large." This literal sense denotes physical movement and activity, often with an implication of freedom or a general course of movement.
Figuratively, and more predominantly in the New Testament, *peripatéō* extends its semantic range to describe one's manner of life, conduct, or deportment. It refers to the way one lives, behaves, or conducts oneself morally and spiritually. This includes following a particular way of life, being occupied with certain activities, or adhering to a specific set of principles. The base definition encapsulates this dual meaning: "to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary):--go, be occupied with, walk (about)." Thus, it moves from a physical act to a comprehensive description of one's entire existence and ethical trajectory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G4043 *peripatéō* appears frequently in the New Testament, serving both its literal and figurative senses, though the latter holds profound theological weight.
In the Gospels, *peripatéō* often describes literal walking: Jesus walking by the Sea of Galilee [[Matthew 4:18]], the disciples walking on the road [[Mark 10:32]], or the lame man walking after healing [[John 5:8-9]]. However, Jesus also employs the term figuratively, contrasting "walking in darkness" with "walking in the light" as a metaphor for spiritual understanding and moral conduct [[John 8:12]], [[John 12:35]].
In the book of Acts, the literal sense is prominent, particularly in accounts of healing where individuals are enabled to walk [[Acts 3:8-9]], [[Acts 14:10]]. Yet, the figurative sense begins to emerge, as when Peter and John "walk" in the temple courts [[Acts 3:12]], implying their presence and activity within that context.
The Pauline Epistles heavily utilize *peripatéō* in its figurative sense to denote the Christian's ethical and spiritual conduct. Paul frequently exhorts believers to "walk" in a manner consistent with their calling and new identity in Christ. Examples include:
* **Ethical Living:** Believers are urged to "walk worthy of the calling" [[Ephesians 4:1]], to "walk in love" [[Ephesians 5:2]], to "walk as children of light" [[Ephesians 5:8]], and to "walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise" [[Ephesians 5:15]]. This underscores the practical implications of faith.
* **Spiritual Orientation:** A crucial contrast is drawn between "walking according to the flesh" ([[Romans 8:4]], [[Galatians 5:16]]) and "walking by the Spirit" ([[Galatians 5:16]], [[Romans 8:4]]). This highlights the fundamental shift in allegiance and power source for the believer's life. Paul also speaks of "walking by faith, not by sight" [[2 Corinthians 5:7]].
* **Transformation from the Old Life:** The former life is described as "walking according to the course of this world" and "the prince of the power of the air" [[Ephesians 2:2]], in stark contrast to walking "in newness of life" [[Romans 6:4]] after conversion.
The Johannine Epistles also emphasize the figurative use of *peripatéō*, particularly concerning fellowship with God. To "walk in the light" means to live in truth and purity, maintaining fellowship with God and other believers [[1 John 1:7]]. Conversely, claiming to have fellowship with God while "walking in darkness" is deemed a lie [[1 John 1:6]]. John also commends those who "walk in truth" [[2 John 1:4]], [[3 John 1:3-4]] and reiterates the command to "walk in love" [[2 John 1:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "walking" in the biblical sense is rich with interconnected ideas.
* **Old Testament Parallel:** The Hebrew equivalent, `{{H1980}}` *halak*, likewise carries both literal and figurative meanings, often signifying one's conduct or way of life, as seen in phrases like "walking with God" (e.g., Enoch [[Genesis 5:24]], Noah [[Genesis 6:9]]) or "walking in His ways" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 5:33]]). This continuity underscores a consistent biblical emphasis on lifestyle.
* **Contrasting Concepts:** G4043 *peripatéō* is frequently contrasted with concepts such as σκοτία (*skotia*, darkness), ἀνομία (*anomia*, lawlessness), σαρκικός (*sarkikos*, fleshly), and κόσμος (*kosmos*, world, in its negative ethical sense). These represent the paths or ways of life that believers are called to abandon.
* **Associated Concepts:** The "way" or "path" (ὁδός, *hodos*) is a closely related concept, often used metaphorically for a course of life or conduct. Other vital concepts that define the believer's "walk" include φῶς (*phōs*, light), ἀλήθεια (*alētheia*, truth), ἀγάπη (*agapē*, love), πνεῦμα (*pneuma*, Spirit), δικαιοσύνη (*dikaiosynē*, righteousness), and ἁγιωσύνη (*hagiosynē*, holiness). These are the virtues and realities that characterize the new life in Christ.
* **Synonyms/Related Verbs:** While not direct synonyms, verbs like ζάω (*zaō*, to live) and πολιτεύομαι (*politeuomai*, to live as a citizen, conduct oneself) express similar ideas of existence and conduct.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4043 *peripatéō* is profound, serving as a central metaphor for Christian discipleship and ethical living.
1. **Ethical Imperative:** The frequent use of *peripatéō* in hortatory contexts highlights that the Christian faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a call to a transformed life. It underscores the ethical demands of the Gospel, urging believers to live out their faith in tangible ways that reflect their new identity in Christ. This "walk" is an ongoing journey of obedience and sanctification.
2. **Relationship and Fellowship with God:** "Walking with God" signifies intimate communion, obedience, and alignment with His will. In the New Testament, "walking in the light" (as God is light) is the very condition for true fellowship with Him and with one another [[1 John 1:7]]. This implies transparency, purity, and adherence to divine truth.
3. **Transformation and New Creation:** The contrast between the old "walk" (in darkness, according to the flesh, or the world's ways) and the new "walk" (in light, by the Spirit, in newness of life) powerfully illustrates the transformative work of God in salvation. It speaks to a radical reorientation of one's entire being and trajectory, moving from spiritual death to life.
4. **Evidence of Genuine Faith:** The way one "walks" serves as an outward manifestation and evidence of one's inner spiritual state. A life characterized by love, truth, and righteousness is presented as the natural outcome and proof of genuine faith and the indwelling Spirit.
5. **Discipleship as a Journey:** The imagery of walking also conveys the idea of a progressive journey. Discipleship is not a static state but a dynamic process of following Christ, growing in grace, and continually striving for conformity to His image.
### Summary
The Greek verb G4043 *peripatéō*, while literally meaning "to walk around," carries profound figurative weight in the New Testament, predominantly signifying one's manner of life, conduct, and moral trajectory. It is an essential term for understanding Christian ethics and discipleship. Biblical occurrences range from literal physical movement in the Gospels and Acts to a pervasive metaphorical use in the Epistles, where it describes the believer's spiritual and ethical journey. G4043 *peripatéō* stands in stark contrast to "walking in darkness" or "according to the flesh," instead urging believers to "walk in the light," "by the Spirit," "in love," and "in truth." Theologically, it underscores the ethical imperative of the Gospel, the nature of fellowship with God, the transformative power of salvation, and the ongoing journey of discipleship, serving as a vital indicator of a genuine and vibrant faith.
TRV