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ἀκολουθέω (akoloutheō)

akoloutheō

to follow

G0190 · Greek · New Testament · 86 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
86 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The verb akoloutheō literally means to go along a road with someone, derived from words for "together" and "path." In the New Testament it describes physical movement as well as spiritual commitment. Jesus uses it when calling fishermen like Peter and Andrew to leave their nets and walk behind Him (Matthew 4:20; Mark 1:18). The image is of a traveler moving in the same direction as a guide, sharing the same journey.

While it can simply mean following a crowd, its most significant use is for discipleship. To akoloutheō Jesus is to accept His teaching and live by His example. This is clear when He tells those who want eternal life that they must deny themselves and take up their cross to follow Him (Mark 8:34). It implies a voluntary choice to align one’s life with Christ’s path, even when that road leads through hardship.

Translators usually render this word as "follow," which captures both the physical act of walking behind and the spiritual act of obedience. The sources note that it often appears with prepositions like "after" or "with," emphasizing closeness. Unlike a mere follower who might trail at a distance, a disciple akoloutheōs closely, mirroring the Master’s steps in daily life.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Greek word akoloutheō paints a picture of walking closely behind someone, sharing their path and direction. In the New Testament, it moves beyond simple physical movement to describe a deep spiritual commitment. When Jesus calls people to follow Him, He invites them into a relationship where His teaching becomes their guide and His example shapes their daily choices.

This call often requires letting go of familiar comforts. In Matthew 4:20, the fishermen leave their nets immediately, showing that following Jesus involves a decisive shift in priorities. It is not about perfect knowledge or having all the answers, but about trusting the One who leads the way. Even when the road seems difficult, this close companionship offers a steady presence.

For your faith journey, this word reminds you that discipleship is an active choice. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Instead, take one step at a time, keeping your eyes on Christ. As you walk with Him, His grace sustains you through every season, offering hope and peace along the way.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 86 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • followed18×
  • do follow13×
  • following9×
  • they followed7×
  • was following5×
  • he was following4×
  • he should follow3×
  • Were following3×
  • I will follow3×
  • were following2×
  • he followed2×
  • having followed2×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ἠκολούθησαν18×
  • ἠκολούθει12×
  • ἀκολούθει11×
  • ἠκολούθησεν8×
  • ἀκολουθοῦντες4×
  • ἀκολουθεῖ4×
  • ἀκολουθήσω3×
  • ἀκολουθείτω3×
  • Ἠκολούθει2×
  • ἠκολούθουν2×
  • ἠκολουθήσαμέν2×
  • ἀκολουθῶν2×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 4:20
    They immediately left their nets and followed him.

    This verse captures the immediate response to Jesus' call, showing that following Him involves leaving behind old security for a new path.

  • Matthew 16:24
    Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

    Here Jesus defines the cost of discipleship, linking the act of following with self-denial and taking up one's cross.

  • Matthew 8:22
    But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

    Jesus uses this command to prioritize spiritual allegiance over social obligations, highlighting the urgency of His mission.

  • Matthew 19:27
    Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

    Peter reflects on the total sacrifice made by the disciples, using this word to acknowledge their complete commitment to Jesus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does akoloutheō mean in the Bible?

The word akoloutheō literally means to go along with someone or follow them. In the New Testament, it primarily describes discipleship—choosing to walk closely behind Jesus, learning from His teachings and living according to His example.

Is following Jesus just about belief?

No, it involves active commitment. The word implies movement and obedience, not just mental agreement. It suggests a daily choice to align your life with Christ’s path, even when it requires sacrifice or change.

How is this different from just being a follower?

While anyone can trail behind, akoloutheō in the biblical sense implies a personal relationship and shared journey. It is about intimacy with Jesus, where His direction becomes your own, rather than merely observing from a distance.

Every Occurrence (86 verses across 7 books)

Matthew 24 verses
Matthew 4:20

They immediately left their nets and followed him.

Matthew 4:22

They immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Matthew 4:25

Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

Matthew 8:1

When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

Matthew 8:10

When Jesus heard it, he marveled and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a…

Matthew 8:19

A scribe came and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

Matthew 8:22

But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

Matthew 8:23

When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.

Matthew 9:9

As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him,…

Matthew 9:19

Jesus got up and followed him, as did his disciples.

Matthew 9:27

As Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”

Matthew 10:38

He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me isn’t worthy of me.

Matthew 12:15

Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Great multitudes followed him; and he healed them all,

Matthew 14:13

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it,…

Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and…

Matthew 19:2

Great multitudes followed him, and he healed them there.

Matthew 19:21

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure…

Matthew 19:27

Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

Matthew 19:28

Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man…

Matthew 20:29

As they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

Matthew 20:34

Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they…

Matthew 21:9

The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed…

Matthew 26:58

But Peter followed him from a distance to the court of the high priest, and entered in and sat with the officers, to…

Matthew 27:55

Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.

Mark 16 verses
Luke 17 verses
John 18 verses
Acts 4 verses
I Corinthians 1 verse
Revelation of John 6 verses