πορεύω (poreuō)
poreuō
to travel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 146 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb poreuomai describes the act of going, traveling, or proceeding on a journey. While its active form meant to carry or convey someone else, the New Testament uses only the middle voice, focusing on the subject’s own movement. This word appears frequently in Luke and Acts, capturing both physical travel and the broader direction of one’s life.
Its range extends beyond simple locomotion. In ethical contexts, it describes how a person conducts their life, as when Zechariah and Elizabeth are said to "walk" blamelessly before God (Luke 1:6). It also serves as a gentle euphemism for death, seen in Jesus’ prediction that he must "go" to Jerusalem (Luke 22:22), echoing the Old Testament usage of the Hebrew word halak.
The term often implies a purposeful movement toward a destination or a person. Disciples are frequently commanded to go to specific places, such as Galilee or Caesarea Philippi, highlighting that following Jesus involves active obedience and relocation rather than passive staying behind.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word poreuomai simply means to go or travel, yet it carries a quiet weight in Scripture. While it describes physical movement—like the wise men heading to Bethlehem or disciples walking to Galilee—it often points to something deeper: the direction of our lives. We are not just moving through space; we are moving toward a purpose.
When Jesus commands his followers to go, he invites them into active obedience. This is not about wandering aimlessly but stepping forward with intention. Whether you are facing a literal journey or a season of change, this word reminds us that God often meets us in the going. Your next steps, however small, matter to Him.
Even in moments of uncertainty, this term suggests a destination. It encourages us to trust that our movements are seen and guided. Let your life be a journey marked by faith, knowing that every step taken in obedience brings you closer to the heart of God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 146 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do go16×
- having gone12×
- Having gone11×
- to go10×
- going5×
- do go,5×
- were going3×
- went3×
- to go,3×
- proceeding3×
- he goes,3×
- I am going3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πορευθέντες14×
- πορεύεσθαι12×
- ἐπορεύθη10×
- πορεύου10×
- πορευθεὶς8×
- πορεύομαι7×
- πορεύεσθε7×
- ἐπορεύοντο5×
- πορευόμενοι5×
- πορεύου,4×
- ἐπορεύθησαν3×
- ἐπορεύετο3×
Key Verses
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Matthew 2:8
He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship him.”
This verse shows the word used for a specific mission, highlighting how travel can be an act of seeking truth.
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Matthew 10:7
As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’
Here the command to go is directly linked to preaching, showing that movement and message are connected.
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Matthew 28:7
Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
This final command ties the physical journey to Galilee with the reality of the resurrection, making the trip a response to new life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does poreuomai mean in the New Testament?
Is this word only about physical travel?
Why does Jesus use this word when sending out disciples?
Every Occurrence (146 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 29 verses
He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me…
Matthew 2:9They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them until…
Matthew 2:20“Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s…
Matthew 8:9For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and tell…
Matthew 9:13But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but…
Matthew 10:6Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 10:7As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’
Matthew 11:4Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:
Matthew 11:7As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness…
Matthew 12:1At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck…
Matthew 12:45Then he goes and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The…
Matthew 17:27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
Matthew 18:12“What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go…
Matthew 19:15He laid his hands on them, and departed from there.
Matthew 21:2saying to them, “Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with…
Matthew 21:6The disciples went and did just as Jesus commanded them,
Matthew 22:9Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the wedding feast.’
Matthew 22:15Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk.
Matthew 24:1Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way. His disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the…
Matthew 25:9But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for…
Matthew 25:16Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
Matthew 25:41Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared…
Matthew 26:14Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
Matthew 27:66So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.
Matthew 28:7Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you…
Matthew 28:9As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and…
Matthew 28:11Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests all the things that…
Matthew 28:16But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.
Matthew 28:19Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,