ὀρθοποδέω
orthopodéō
G3716 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To walk straight or in a straight path; metaphorically, to act in a manner consistent with correct principles or accepted norms, particularly in a moral or communal sense. In figurative usage, especially in early Christian contexts, to conduct oneself uprightly or in alignment with the truth, especially regarding communal or ethical standards.
Semantic Range
to walk in a straight path, to act uprightly, to conduct oneself in accordance with truth or standards, to behave consistently with moral norms or communal rules
Root / Etymology
From ὀρθός (straight, upright) + πούς (foot), formed as a compound verb meaning 'to walk straight-footed' or 'to proceed in a straight path.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
ὀρθοποδέω appears rarely in extant Greek literature and is attested in Koine Greek, notably in Galatians 2:14 where Paul describes the behavior of Cephas/Peter in relation to Gentile and Judean communal practices. While the literal sense is 'to walk uprightly' or 'to walk in a straight path,' its usage in the New Testament is distinctly metaphorical, referring to consistent behavior with the 'truth of the gospel.' It is built from components that have a broader classical semantic field—ὀρθός meaning 'straight, correct, upright,' and πούς 'foot.' The verb emphasizes proper conduct in line with a set standard or canon (cf. the related concept of walking 'straight' according to a rule or ethical guideline). Standard English translations such as 'walk uprightly' or 'act in line with' capture much—but not all—of its metaphorical force: the imagery is of moral or communal straightness as opposed to deviating or inconsistent behavior. The noun ὀρθοποδία ('straight-walking') is rare.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of ὀρθός and πούς; to be straight-footed, i.e. (figuratively) to go directly forward:--walk uprightly.
Root Family
ὀρθοποδέω (orthopodeō) — to walk straight, to be upright, to conduct oneself rightly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3716-01 |
ὀρθοποδοῦσιν | orthopodousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
they walk uprightly | they are walking straight | they are walking straight | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3716-01 |
Galatians 2:14 | ὀρθοποδοῦσιν | orthopodousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
they walk uprightly | they are walking straight | they are walking straight |