Library Home>Authors>George A. Morrish>Concise Bible Dictionary: Appendix>17. To Walk (#181588)

17. To Walk

From: Concise Bible Dictionary: Appendix

By: George A. Morrish

Both περιπτέω and στοιχἐω are translated ‘to walk,' but there is a difference between them. The latter means to walk by a rule, the more studied following of a prescribed course; whilst the former is either in a physical sense, or as to the manner of life, the general character of the walk ― in its regular and practical manifestations. Cf. John 7:1¹After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. (John 7:1).

Both words are used for walking by or in the Spirit, Gal. 5:16¹⁶This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) (πε.), 25 (στ.); but στοιχέω (from στείχω ‘to go in order') is restricted to walking well. In Rom. 4:12¹²And 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. (Romans 4:12) "in the steps of the faith of Abraham;" by a godly rule, Gal. 6:16¹⁶And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:16); Phi. 3:16; and it is once translated "walk orderly." Acts 21:24²⁴Them 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. (Acts 21:24). These passages are the only ones in which στοιχέω, occurs.

περιπατέω (from περί and πατέω, ‘to walk about') is of common occurrence, and is used very generally. For instance, in John 5:12¹²Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? (John 5:12), for taking up his bed and walking; again, both for walking in darkness and in light, 1 John 1:6, 7⁶If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: ⁷But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:6‑7); according to Satan, or according to God. Eph. 2:2²Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (Ephesians 2:2); 1 Thess. 2:12¹²That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

Click here to show subject links in the text for more information.

Previous Article

Concise Bible Dictionary: Appendix

• New Testament Synonyms.

• 1. To Touch, Handle

• 2. Unlearned. Ignorant

• 3. To Draw, Drag

• 4. Old. Ancient

• 5. Covetousness. Love of Money

• 6. Holiness. Sanctification

• 8. To Love, Have Affection For

• 9. Holy. Pious

• 10. Forgiveness. Remission

• 11. To Desire, Will, Purpose

• 12. Rest. Liberty

• 13. To Worship, Serve

• 14. Word. Words

• 15. Peculiar (People), Purchased Possession

• 16. Image. Likeness. Similitude

• 17. To Walk

• 18. Accepted. Acceptable

• 19. To Accomplish, Finish, Fulfill

• 20. To Ask, Request

• 21. Another. Different

• 22. Envy. Zeal. Emulation. Jealousy

• 23. Life. Living

• 24. To Comfort, Encourage

• 25. Burden. Weight

• 26. True. The True

• 27. To Corrupt, Handle Deceitfully

• 28. To Feed, Shepherd

• 29. Light. Lamp. Candle