"to follow upon; to accompany, be attendant, Mk. 16:20; to appear later, 1 Tim. 5:24; met. to follow one’s steps, to imitate, 1 Pet. 2:21; to follow a work, pursue, prosecute, be studious of, devoted to, 1 Tim. 5:10*"
Definition and meaning
to follow upon; to accompany, be attendant, Mk. 16:20; to appear later, 1 Tim. 5:24; met. to follow one’s steps, to imitate, 1 Pet. 2:21; to follow a work, pursue, prosecute, be studious of, devoted to, 1 Tim. 5:10*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐπακολουθέω
Historical context
The Gospel of Mark moves urgently — the word "immediately" appears over 40 times. It was written for a Roman audience familiar with power and action. Jesus is portrayed as a man who acts, heals, and commands authority that the Roman world had never seen from a Jewish teacher.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of epakoloutheo (G1872) across the King James Bible.
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
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Common questions
Strong's G1872 (epakoloutheo) is a Greek word that means: to follow upon; to accompany, be attendant, Mk. 16:20; to appear later, 1 Tim. 5:24; met. to follow one’s steps, to imitate, 1 Pet. 2:21; to follow a work, pursue, prosecute, be studious of, devoted t... It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word epakoloutheo (G1872) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1872 is epakoloutheo, a Greek word defined as: to follow upon; to accompany, be attendant, Mk. 16:20; to appear later, 1 Tim. 5:24; met. to follow one’s steps, to imitate, 1 Pet. 2:21; to follow a . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
epakoloutheo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.