πέτομαι

pétomai /ptah'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word
Meaningmiddle voice of a primary verb; to fly
KJV usagefly(-ing).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word pétomai, represented by G4072, is a primary verb used to mean to fly. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Its use is confined entirely to the book of Revelation, where it describes the movement of celestial beings and symbolic figures.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G4072 is used exclusively to depict supernatural or significant actions within apocalyptic visions. It describes angels moving through the "midst of heaven" to deliver critical messages, such as the everlasting gospel Revelation 14:6 or to announce coming woes upon the earth Revelation 8:13. The term is also applied to symbolic creatures, including the fourth beast around the throne, which was "like a flying eagle" Revelation 4:7. It further illustrates divine protection, as the woman in the wilderness is given wings so that she might fly to safety from the serpent Revelation 12:14.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of flight:

  • G105 aetós: This word means an eagle. It is directly linked to the act of flying in Revelation, as seen with the fourth beast described as a "flying eagle" Revelation 4:7 and the woman who is given "wings of a great eagle, that she might fly" Revelation 12:14.
  • G4420 ptéryx: Meaning a wing, this word is derived from G4072. It is essential for the action of flying, most notably in the passage where the woman is given two wings to enable her escape Revelation 12:14.

Theological Significance

The significance of G4072 is tied to its exclusive use in Revelation's imagery.

  • Celestial Messengers: The word emphasizes the swiftness and divine authority of angels as they traverse the heavens to execute God's will. Angels are seen flying to make proclamations to all of humanity (Revelation 14:6, Revelation 8:13).
  • Symbolic Representation: The act of flying is attributed to powerful symbolic figures. The fourth beast's description as a "flying eagle" Revelation 4:7 conveys a sense of majesty, power, and a heavenly perspective.
  • Divine Deliverance: The word illustrates a means of supernatural escape and protection. The woman who is enabled to fly into the wilderness is a clear picture of God providing a way to be preserved from her persecutor Revelation 12:14.

Summary

In summary, G4072 is a specific and potent action verb used in the Bible to convey more than simple movement. Reserved for the visions of Revelation, it signifies the supernatural, swift, and authoritative motion of beings acting on a divine stage. Whether describing an angel, a symbolic beast, or a figure under God's protection, pétomai enhances the grand and otherworldly nature of the apocalyptic narrative.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 5 occurrences, inflected in 5 grammatical forms.

  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Dative Plural Neuter 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Dative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Dative
The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

5 verses, all in Revelation.

Verse Explorer

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