Skip to main content

    Walk (Peripateō)

    περιπατέω (peripateō)

    To walk around, to conduct one's life — the habitual pattern of daily living.

    Greek
    Strong's G4043
    Pronunciation: peh-ree-pah-TEH-oh
    Quick Answer

    Peripateō is the Greek word for walk, used metaphorically for one's manner of life and daily conduct. Paul's letters consistently use 'walk' to describe the practical, everyday living out of faith.

    "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us." — Ephesians 5:2 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Ephesians 5:2

    “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us.”
    Read in context

    Galatians 5:16

    “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
    Read in context

    Colossians 2:6

    “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.”
    Read in context

    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G4043 — Walk (Peripateō) (περιπατέω (peripateō))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where περιπατέω (peripateō) appears.

    Open Strong's G4043

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Peripateō combines peri ('around') and pateō ('to walk') — literally 'to walk around.' It describes habitual movement, the daily pattern of going about one's business. Used metaphorically, it captures the idea that faith is not a single event but a lifestyle — a continuous, step-by-step journey. How you walk is who you are.

    Walking in the Old Testament

    The walk metaphor begins in Genesis: 'Enoch walked with God' (Genesis 5:24). Abraham was told, 'Walk before me, and be thou perfect' (Genesis 17:1). Micah summarized God's requirements: 'Walk humbly with thy God' (Micah 6:8). Walking with God describes ongoing, daily, intimate companionship — a relationship lived out in real time, step by step.

    Paul's Walk Commands

    Paul uses peripateō extensively to describe Christian living: walk in love (Ephesians 5:2), walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), walk in light (Ephesians 5:8), walk in wisdom (Colossians 4:5), walk worthy of the calling (Ephesians 4:1), and walk in good works (Ephesians 2:10). Each 'walk' command addresses a different dimension of daily conduct. Together they paint a comprehensive picture of Christ-like living.

    Walking in the Spirit

    The key to the Christian walk is the Spirit: 'Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh' (Galatians 5:16). Walking in the Spirit means moment-by-moment dependence on the Holy Spirit's guidance, power, and fruit. It is not striving but yielding — allowing the Spirit to direct each step. The Spirit-led walk produces love, joy, peace, and all the fruit of Galatians 5:22-23.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does walk mean in the Bible?

    Walk (peripateō) means one's habitual manner of life — the daily, step-by-step pattern of conduct. Paul uses it to describe the practical, everyday living out of Christian faith in love, light, wisdom, and the Spirit.

    How do I walk in the Spirit?

    Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) means moment-by-moment dependence on the Holy Spirit — yielding to His guidance, drawing on His power, and bearing His fruit. It replaces self-effort with Spirit-empowered living.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Walk (Peripateō)"?

    Ephesians 5:2 — "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us" (KJV). It also appears in Galatians 5:16, Colossians 2:6.

    Why does the Greek word behind "Walk (Peripateō)" matter?

    Peripateō combines peri ('around') and pateō ('to walk') — literally 'to walk around.' It describes habitual movement, the daily pattern of going about one's business. English uses one word, "Walk (Peripateō)", where the Greek περιπατέω (peripateō) carries the fuller sense: to walk around, to conduct one's life — the habitual pattern of daily living.

    Related Words

    Way/Path
    Spirit
    Faith

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Word Meaning

    Walk (Peripateō) (περιπατέω (peripateō))

    To walk around, to conduct one's life — the habitual pattern of daily living.

    Strong's

    Strong's G4043 — Walk (Peripateō)

    περιπατέω (peripateō) • To walk around, to conduct one's life — the habitual pattern of daily living.

    Commentary

    John 13:34 Commentary

    In-depth study • Christian Love

    Commentary

    Colossians 3:14 Commentary

    In-depth study • Love & Christian Virtue

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Seeing Dead Relatives in a Dream (KJV)

    Often the mind processing grief; test carefully against Scripture.

    Word Meaning

    Love (Phileo) (φιλέω (phileō))

    Brotherly affection — warm, tender, personal friendship love.

    ← Previous

    Call (Kaleō)

    Next →

    Sin (Chata)

    Where to go next

    Studied the meaning of Walk (Peripateō)? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.