ἐμπεριπατέω

I walk about in a place

Definition

The verb ἐμπεριπατέω means 'to walk about in' or 'to live among' a place or people. It carries the sense of moving within a defined space, implying ongoing presence and activity. In its single New Testament occurrence, it is used metaphorically by the Apostle Paul to describe God's promise to dwell among His people. The word emphasizes not just a static residence but an active, relational presence, as God says, 'I will live among them and walk among them' (2 Corinthians 6:16).

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 6:16. Here, Paul quotes from a combination of Old Testament promises (Leviticus 26:11-12; Ezekiel 37:27) to affirm God's covenantal presence with believers. The context is Paul's appeal for holiness, arguing that because God dwells among His people, they must separate themselves from spiritual impurity. The usage is entirely theological and metaphorical, applying the concept of God's indwelling to the community of the church.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἐν (en, 'in') and the verb περιπατέω (peripateō, 'to walk, to conduct one's life'). περιπατέω itself comes from περί (peri, 'around') and πατέω (pateō, 'to tread, step'). Thus, ἐμπεριπατέω intensifies the idea of περιπατέω by specifying movement or life conducted *within* a specific sphere or community.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly expresses the core biblical theme of God's immanent presence with His covenant people. In 2 Corinthians 6:16, it grounds the call to holiness (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1) in the reality of God's indwelling. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that God's promise is not merely to be nearby, but to be actively present and moving within the community of believers, which forms the basis for their identity as 'the temple of the living God.'

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a deity 'walking about' within a temple or sacred space was a known religious idea, denoting the god's active patronage and presence. Paul's use of this term would resonate with that cultural understanding, but he radically redefines the 'temple' not as a physical building but as the collective body of Christian believers. This shifts the locus of divine presence from a static, localized shrine to a dynamic, living community.

περιπατέω (peripateō, G4043) — A more common verb for 'to walk' or 'to live, conduct one's life,' but without the specific emphasis on being within a defined sphere. οἰκέω (oikeō, G3611) — Means 'to dwell, inhabit,' focusing more on the state of residence than the activity of moving within. κατοικέω (katoikeō, G2730) — Means 'to settle down, dwell permanently,' emphasizing settled habitation rather than active movement within.

Word Details

Scripture References