Greek word · G1811

ἐξακολουθέω

exakoloutheō

to follow

To follow after, follow closely, take as your authority or pattern. Often used for following a leader, a teaching or a way of life.

Appears 3 times in 3 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

ἐξ-ακολουθέω, -ῶ

[in LXX Amos 2:4, Jeremiah 2:2 (אַחַר הָלַךְ), Isaiah 56:11 (פָּנָה), Job 31:9 (פָּתָה ni.), Sirach 5:2, Dan LXX TH Daniel 3:1-30 :(41) * ;]

to follow, follow up (in various senses): metaphorically, 2 Peter 1:16 2:2 2:15 †

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of 2 Peter 2:2

Range of meaning

To follow after, follow closely, take as your authority or pattern. Often used for following a leader, a teaching or a way of life.

Against the English

Most versions say 'follow'. The 'out' or 'after' force of the prefix (YLT 'follow out') suggests committed imitation, not a passing interest.

Used elsewhere in the period

Greek Old Testament: Amos 2:4, the 'lies' 'which their fathers followed after'. Isaiah 56:11, leaders who follow their own ways. In the NT only in 2 Peter: 1:16 ('we did not follow cleverly invented myths'), 2:2, and 2:15 (the teachers 'followed the way of Balaam').

Where it appears

2 Peter · 3

  1. 2 Peter 1:16 ἐξακολουθήσαντες having followed

    For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

    Here: To take something as your authority or guide. The same verb comes back in 2:2 (many will 'follow' the false teachers' sensuality) and 2:15 (they 'followed' the way of Balaam), so it marks out two rival paths.

  2. 2 Peter 2:2 ἐξακολουθήσουσιν will follow after

    Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.

    Here: 'Will follow after.' The verb is a strengthened form of 'follow' and means to take someone as your guide and pattern. In the NT only 2 Peter uses it (1:16; 2:2; 2:15). The future tense fits the letter's voice as a farewell prediction.

  3. 2 Peter 2:15 ἐξακολουθήσαντες having followed

    They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.

    Here: 'Having followed after', 'having gone along with'. In the New Testament only 2 Peter uses it (1:16; 2:2; 2:15), each time for following a false lead: myths, sensuality, Balaam.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.