"pr. to advance in a line; met. to frame one’s conduct by a certain rule, Acts 21:24; Rom. 4:12; Gal. 5:25; 6:16; Phil. 3:16*"
Definition and meaning
pr. to advance in a line; met. to frame one’s conduct by a certain rule, Acts 21:24; Rom. 4:12; Gal. 5:25; 6:16; Phil. 3:16*
In the original Greek the word is written: στοιχέω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
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 stoicheo (G4748) across the King James Bible.
Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
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Common questions
Strong's G4748 (stoicheo) is a Greek word that means: pr. to advance in a line; met. to frame one’s conduct by a certain rule, Acts 21:24; Rom. 4:12; Gal. 5:25; 6:16; Phil. 3:16* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word stoicheo (G4748) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4748 is stoicheo, a Greek word defined as: pr. to advance in a line; met. to frame one’s conduct by a certain rule, Acts 21:24; Rom. 4:12; Gal. 5:25; 6:16; Phil. 3:16*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
stoicheo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.