ἐξακολουθέω
exakolouthéō
G1811 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To follow closely after someone or something, often with the implication of persistent or thorough pursuit; in figurative contexts, to adhere to, imitate, or align oneself with a teaching, example, or way of life. The word most commonly expresses the idea of continuing firmly after or along a path, whether literal or figurative, especially in the sense of persevering association or adherence.
Semantic Range
to follow (thoroughly or persistently), to adhere to (teachings or persons), to imitate, to yield to, to pursue after, to align oneself with
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐξ (out of, from) and the verb ἀκολουθέω (to follow). The compound structure intensifies the sense of following, emphasizing thoroughness or completeness in the act. The formation is evident in Koine Greek and carries over the fundamental sense of movement or alignment from the verb ἀκολουθέω.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἐξακολουθέω is rare, with usage expanding in later literary and philosophical contexts. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term typically indicates a persistent following after false teachings, idols, or immoral behaviors (e.g., 2 Peter 2:2, 2:15). The verb can carry both literal and figurative connotations, but in Koine contexts, the figurative meaning often predominates—expressing continued ideological or behavioral alignment. Notably, it contrasts with ἀκολουθέω, which simply means 'to follow' and is most often used positively (e.g., a disciple following a teacher). By contrast, ἐξακολουθέω often denotes an uncritical, sustained following, sometimes in a negative context, such as following destructive influences or heresies. English translations commonly render it as 'to follow,' but this may overlook the nuance of persistent, thorough, or even misguided pursuit. The term highlights not merely an act of following, but of ongoing, perhaps unreflective, adherence to a path or example.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐκ and ἀκολουθέω; to follow out, i.e. (figuratively) to imitate, obey, yield to:--follow.
Root Family
ἀκολουθ- (exakolouthéō) — to follow, to accompany, to pursue
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1872 | ἐπακολουθέω | you may follow closely |
| G190 | ἀκολουθέω | Keep following |
| G2628 | κατακολουθέω | having closely followed |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1811-01 |
ἐξακολουθήσαντες | exakolouthesantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having followed | having thoroughly followed | having followed | 2 |
G1811-02 |
ἐξακολουθήσουσιν | exakolouthesousin | V FUT ACT IND 3P PL |
will follow | they will closely follow | they will closely follow | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1811-01 |
2 Peter 1:16 | ἐξακολουθήσαντες | exakolouthesantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having followed | having thoroughly followed | having followed |
G1811-02 |
2 Peter 2:2 | ἐξακολουθήσουσιν | exakolouthesousin | V FUT ACT IND 3P PL |
will follow | they will closely follow | they will closely follow |
G1811-01 |
2 Peter 2:15 | ἐξακολουθήσαντες | exakolouthesantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having followed | having thoroughly followed | having thoroughly followed |