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G4043 · Greek · New Testament
περιπατέω
peripateo
Verb
to walk, live, conduct oneself

Definition

Literally to walk around, but Paul uses it pervasively as a metaphor for how one lives and conducts oneself — 'walking in the Spirit,' 'walking in love,' 'walking in the light.' Life as a sustained direction of travel.

Usage & Theological Significance

The Pauline 'walk' ethic is dynamic, not static — life is movement, direction, pace. To walk 'worthy' of the gospel means moving in a way consistent with what God has done. Seven 'walks' in Ephesians structure its ethics.

Key Bible Verses

Galatians 5:16 Walk [peripateo] by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Ephesians 2:10 Created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk [peripateo] in them.
1 John 1:7 If we walk [peripateo] in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.

Word Study

Ephesians alone has seven peripateo calls (2:2, 2:10, 4:1, 4:17, 5:2, 5:8, 5:15). Each describes a dimension of the new life: worthy, in love, in light, in wisdom. The Christian life is a sustained purposeful walk.

Related Words

External Resources

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