Berean Strong's Lexicon exakoloutheó: To follow closely, to follow after, to imitate Original Word: ἐξακολουθέω Word Origin: From the Greek preposition "ἐκ" (ek, meaning "out of" or "from") and the verb "ἀκολουθέω" (akoloutheó, meaning "to follow"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐξακολουθέω, the concept of following closely can be related to Hebrew words such as "הלך" (halak, meaning "to walk" or "to go") and "רדף" (radaph, meaning "to pursue" or "to follow after"). Usage: The verb ἐξακολουθέω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of following closely or imitating someone or something. It implies a sense of dedication and commitment to the path or example set by another. This term is often used in the context of following teachings, doctrines, or the example of Christ and His apostles. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of following a teacher or philosopher was well understood. Disciples would often follow their teachers closely, not only physically but also in adopting their teachings and way of life. This cultural understanding is reflected in the New Testament usage of ἐξακολουθέω, where believers are encouraged to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and the apostles with dedication and faithfulness. HELPS Word-studies 1811 eksakolouthéō (from 1537 /ek, "wholly out from," intensifying 190 /akolouthéō, "follow") – properly, completely follow (literally, "wholly out from"), i.e. closely imitating (emulating) someone as a model or leader. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and akoloutheó Definition to follow (out, up), i.e. to imitate NASB Translation follow (2), followed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1811: ἐξακολουθέωἐξακολουθέω, ἐξακολούθω: future ἐξακολουθήσω; 1 aorist participle ἐξακολουθησας; to follow out or up, tread in one's steps; a. τῇ ὁδῷ τίνος, metaphorically, to imitate one's way of acting: 2 Peter 2:15, cf. Isaiah 56:11. b. to follow one's authority: μύθοις, 2 Peter 1:16; Josephus, Antiquities prooem. 4 (ἀρχηγοῖς, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 14, 1 [ET]; δυσί βασιλεῦσι, Test xii. Patr., p. 643 (test. Zeb. § 9)). c. to comply with, yield to: ἀσελγείαις (Rec. ἀπωλείαις), 2 Peter 2:2, (πνεύμασι πλάνης, Test xii. Patr., p. 665 (test. Napht. § 3; τοῖς πονηροῖς διαβουλίοις, xii. Patr., p. 628 test. Isa. § 6); cf. also Amos 2:4; Job 31:9; Sir. 5:2). Among secular authors, Polybius, Plutarch, occasionally use the word; (add Dionysius Halicarnassus, de comp. verb. § 24, p. 188, 7; Epictetus diss. 1, 22, 16). From ek and akoloutheo; to follow out, i.e. (figuratively) to imitate, obey, yield to -- follow. see GREEK ek see GREEK akoloutheo Englishman's Concordance 2 Peter 1:16 V-APA-NMPGRK: σεσοφισμένοις μύθοις ἐξακολουθήσαντες ἐγνωρίσαμεν ὑμῖν NAS: For we did not follow cleverly devised KJV: not followed cunningly devised INT: cleverly-imagined fables having followed out we made known to you 2 Peter 2:2 V-FIA-3P 2 Peter 2:15 V-APA-NMP Strong's Greek 1811 |