πέτομαι

I fly

Definition

The verb πέτομαι means 'to fly' or 'to be in flight,' describing the action of moving through the air, typically of birds or winged creatures. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in the Book of Revelation in symbolic, visionary contexts. In Revelation 4:7, it describes the living creatures around God's throne, each with wings, symbolizing swift service. In Revelation 12:14, it depicts the woman (often interpreted as God's people) given wings to escape persecution, emphasizing divine deliverance. The word also describes angelic messengers swiftly traversing the sky in Revelation 8:13, 14:6, and 19:17, highlighting the rapid, transcendent movement associated with heavenly beings.

Biblical Usage

Πέτομαι is used five times, all in the Book of Revelation. It appears in apocalyptic visions to describe the flight of symbolic figures and angels, conveying swift, supernatural movement. In Revelation 4:7, it characterizes the winged living creatures; in Revelation 12:14, it illustrates escape; and in Revelation 8:13, 14:6, and 19:17, it portrays angels flying midheaven to proclaim messages or judgments. This consistent usage in Revelation ties the word to visionary imagery and divine intervention.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek root πετ-, meaning 'to fly,' πέτομαι is a deponent verb (middle/passive in form but active in meaning). It is cognate with words like πτηνός (ptēnós, 'winged') and shares an Indo-European root with Latin 'petere' ('to seek, fly at'). In classical Greek, it commonly described bird flight, but in the New Testament, its meaning expands to include supernatural or visionary flight.

Semantic Range

In Revelation, πέτομαι enriches the apocalyptic symbolism, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the celestial nature of his messengers. The flight of angels (e.g., Revelation 14:6) underscores the swift execution of divine will, while the woman's flight in Revelation 12:14 portrays God's protective care amid tribulation. Understanding this Greek term highlights the vivid, otherworldly imagery of Revelation, reminding readers of the spiritual reality and God's active role in eschatological events.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, flight was often associated with divine beings, omens, or mythical creatures, reflecting a belief in supernatural mobility. The New Testament usage in Revelation taps into this cultural understanding but redirects it toward biblical apocalyptic tradition, where flight symbolizes God's power and the transcendence of heavenly realms, differing from modern literal or scientific views of flight.

πορεύομαι (poreuomai, G4198) — emphasizes journeying or going, not specifically flying; φέρω (pherō, G5342) — means to carry or bear, often implying movement but not flight; ἀναβαίνω (anabainō, G305) — means to go up or ascend, can include rising but not necessarily flying.

Word Details

Scripture References