περιπατέω (peripateō)
peripateō
to walk
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 89 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb peripateō literally means to walk, describing physical movement through a space. In the New Testament it appears frequently in narrative scenes where Jesus heals someone who then walks, such as the man at Bethesda in John 5:11 or the blind man in Mark 8:24. It also describes ordinary travel, like Jesus walking on the sea in Matthew 14:25 or disciples walking along the road with him.
Beyond physical motion, the word carries a strong metaphorical weight for how a person lives their life. Drawing on its Old Testament Hebrew equivalent, biblical writers use it to describe moral conduct and spiritual direction. Paul urges believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling in Ephesians 4:1 and to walk by the Spirit in Galatians 5:16. This usage frames the Christian life not as a static state but as an ongoing journey of behavior and choice.
The preposition peri, meaning around or about, combined with pateō, suggests moving through one’s environment. This imagery helps explain why the word often pairs with phrases indicating the sphere of life, such as walking in darkness or light in 1 John 1:6-7. Translators typically render it as "walk" to preserve this sense of continuous, directional living.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word peripateō brings together two simple ideas: moving through a place and living within it. In the Gospels we see Jesus healing the lame so they can walk again, restoring physical ability to those who could not move before. These moments show God’s care for our whole selves, body and spirit alike. When Jesus tells a paralytic to rise and walk, He is not just fixing a limb; He is inviting the person back into community and daily life.
Beyond the physical act, this word describes the direction of our hearts. Paul writes that believers are called to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, suggesting that faith is not a static belief but a way of moving through each day. We choose whether to walk in light or darkness, guided by the Spirit rather than our own strength. This imagery reminds us that our spiritual journey is ongoing, shaped by small, daily choices.
As you navigate your own path, remember that God meets you in the ordinary moments—walking by the sea, walking through trouble, or walking toward hope. His grace supports every step, offering peace and purpose as you move forward in trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 89 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- walking16×
- to walk7×
- do walk5×
- was walking4×
- walking.3×
- walked3×
- do walk?3×
- do walk.3×
- are walking3×
- was walking;2×
- walk,2×
- walk2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- περιπατεῖτε6×
- περιπατεῖν6×
- περιπατῶν5×
- περιπατοῦσιν5×
- περιπατοῦντα4×
- περιεπάτει4×
- περιπάτει;3×
- περιπάτει.3×
- περιπατῇ3×
- περιπατοῦντες3×
- περιπατοῦντας3×
- περιπατεῖ3×
Key Verses
-
John 5:8
Jesus said to him, “Arise, take up your mat, and walk.”
Jesus commands the paralytic to 'walk,' linking physical restoration with immediate obedience and new life.
-
Matthew 14:29
He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.
Peter steps out of the boat to walk on water, illustrating faith in action amidst fear.
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Mark 7:5
The Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why don’t your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?”
The Pharisees question why disciples do not 'walk' according to human traditions, highlighting a contrast between external rules and inner devotion.
-
Luke 24:17
He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”
Jesus asks the disciples what they are discussing as they walk, showing how shared journeys can open doors for divine revelation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does peripateō mean in the New Testament?
How is peripateō different from other Greek words for walking?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (89 verses across 20 books)
Matthew 7 verses
Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net…
Matthew 9:5For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?
Matthew 11:5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the…
Matthew 14:25In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.
Matthew 14:26When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear.
Matthew 14:29He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.
Matthew 15:31so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the injured healed, the lame walking, and the blind…