πειθαρχέω (peitharcheō)
peitharcheō
to obey
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb peitharcheō describes a specific kind of obedience: submitting to those who hold authority. Its structure combines words for "persuasion" and "command," suggesting that true obedience involves both listening to reason and respecting the position of the leader. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, primarily in Acts and Titus, marking it as a precise term for civic or official compliance rather than general agreement.
Context determines whether this obedience is directed toward human rulers or God. In Acts 27:21, Paul urges the sailors to obey his advice for their safety, while Titus 3:1 calls believers to be obedient to rulers and authorities. Interestingly, in Acts 5, the apostles use the related concept to explain why they must obey God rather than men, highlighting that divine authority ultimately supersedes human command.
Translators often render this word simply as "obey," but its compound nature adds depth. It implies a willingness to be persuaded by legitimate authority. This distinguishes it from blind submission; the term suggests a rational alignment with those in charge, whether that is a civil governor or, in theological contexts, the Lord Himself.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word peitharcheō combines ideas of being persuaded and submitting to command. It suggests that true obedience is not blind submission but a willing alignment with legitimate authority. When we listen to those God has placed in positions of leadership, we are participating in a structured order designed for our good.
This concept helps us navigate difficult relationships with leaders or circumstances. Like the sailors who eventually heeded Paul’s warning in Acts 27, we learn that listening to wise counsel can prevent unnecessary suffering. It invites us to approach authority with open minds and respectful hearts.
Ultimately, this obedience points to a deeper trust in God’s sovereignty. Whether submitting to civil rulers as Titus instructs or prioritizing God’s commands when human laws conflict, our goal is to live peaceably while remaining faithful to divine truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be obedient,1×
- obeying1×
- having been obedient1×
- To obey1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πειθαρχήσαντάς1×
- πειθαρχοῦσιν1×
- πειθαρχεῖν,1×
- πειθαρχεῖν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 5:29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
This verse establishes the boundary of obedience, showing that loyalty to God supersedes all human commands when they conflict.
-
Titus 3:1
Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
Here Paul explicitly links this specific type of obedient submission to being ready for every good work in society.
-
Acts 27:21
When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete and have gotten this injury and loss.
Paul uses the concept to urge the sailors to accept his advice, demonstrating how listening to authority prevents harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does peitharcheō mean in the Bible?
Where does this word appear in the New Testament?
How is it different from other words for obedience?
Does this mean we must always obey human leaders?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Acts 3 verses
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
Acts 5:32We are his witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Acts 27:21When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to…