κατακολουθέω (katakoloutheō)
katakoloutheō
to follow
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katakoloutheō means to follow closely behind or in pursuit. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in Luke’s writings (Luke 23:55; Acts 16:17). In Luke 23:55, women who had followed Jesus from Galilee are described using this word as they observe the crucifixion site. In Acts 16:17, a slave girl follows Paul and Silas, shouting after them.
Its structure combines kata ("down, along") with koloutheō ("to follow"). This suggests persistent, attentive following rather than casual association. The word emphasizes proximity and continuity of movement. While other Greek words for "follow" exist, katakoloutheō implies a direct, often public trajectory — one person trailing another in real time.
Translators typically render it simply as "followed," which captures its straightforward sense without adding theological weight. Yet its rarity makes each occurrence notable: here are people physically tracking Jesus’ path or pursuing apostles with urgent messages. The word grounds spiritual devotion in tangible movement — bodies walking behind leaders, eyes fixed on their steps.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katakoloutheō describes following closely behind someone, often in pursuit or with attentive observation. In Luke’s writings, it appears when women followed Jesus to the tomb after His crucifixion and when a slave girl trailed Paul and Silas through Philippi. This term highlights physical proximity and persistent attention, showing that faith is not just an internal feeling but involves tangible movement toward Christ and His messengers.
For your daily walk, this reminds us that discipleship requires staying close to Jesus, even in difficult moments like the cross. It also encourages us to listen when others speak God’s truth, as the slave girl did, regardless of her status or circumstances. By following closely, we position ourselves to see what God is doing and to respond with humility and obedience.
May you find strength in knowing that God honors those who draw near to Him and His word, trusting that He guides your steps just as He guided the women and the apostles of old.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having followed1×
- Having followed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατακολουθήσασαι1×
- κατακολουθοῦσα1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 23:55
The women who had come with him out of Galilee followed after, and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.
This verse shows the women following Jesus’ path to the tomb with attentive care, demonstrating faithful presence during His death.
-
Acts 16:17
Following Paul and us, she cried out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us a way of salvation!”
Here the slave girl follows Paul and Silas persistently, proclaiming their divine mission despite her enslaved condition.