"to follow or accompany closely; to accompany, attend, characterize, Mk. 16:17; to follow with the thoughts, trace, Lk. 1:3; to conform to, 1 Tim. 4:6; 2 Tim. 3:10*"
Definition and meaning
to follow or accompany closely; to accompany, attend, characterize, Mk. 16:17; to follow with the thoughts, trace, Lk. 1:3; to conform to, 1 Tim. 4:6; 2 Tim. 3:10*
In the original Greek the word is written: παρακολουθέω
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 parakoloutheo (G3877) across the King James Bible.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
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Common questions
Strong's G3877 (parakoloutheo) is a Greek word that means: to follow or accompany closely; to accompany, attend, characterize, Mk. 16:17; to follow with the thoughts, trace, Lk. 1:3; to conform to, 1 Tim. 4:6; 2 Tim. 3:10* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word parakoloutheo (G3877) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3877 is parakoloutheo, a Greek word defined as: to follow or accompany closely; to accompany, attend, characterize, Mk. 16:17; to follow with the thoughts, trace, Lk. 1:3; to conform to, 1 Tim. 4:6;. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
parakoloutheo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.