Did you ever read something in a book that made you stop and reread it? You couldn’t believe what you just read, so you were compelled to read it again, just to make sure. Words are like that. Individual words help us look beyond the big picture, in order for us to understand the nuances, meaning and application of the text.
Paul tells the Galatians, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 ESV). The word “walk” is the Greek word περιπατέω (PERI-PATEO), a compound verb that is used 95 times. The meaning is always very concise and clear.
The words together literally mean “to walk around.” The word “peri” means around and suggests the idea of encircling something. The word “pateo” means to walk. It denotes the movement of the feet, while it is often meaning a walk, it focuses on the steps and it can even mean to trample.
When the words are combined, as they are in Galatians 5:16, the word means to habitually walk around in one general vicinity. In this setting, the word is often translated “live.” The word has walked around in one region for so long that it has now become his own environment. One commentator mentioned the word could be explained by thinking the person has walked one path so many times, in such a habitual way, that he would be able to walk the path blindfolded.
One of the most powerful images of fellowship with the Father goes back to the Garden of Eden and their walk with God. From that time forward the idea of walking with someone took on deep meaning. To walk with someone is to live in fellowship and harmony with him. God can only live in a way that reflects His character. Walking with God, then, is to live according to the path that God has lined out for life, to live a life that is in obedience to Him.
In secular literature, the word περιπατέω often meant to stroll. A person who strolls is not anxious, frustrated or overwhelmed. Rather he is a person who is restful, unhurried and calm. The person who walks in the Spirit is at peace.
Notice these Scriptures that describe humans walking with God.
And after the birth of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and fathered other sons and daughters.
These are the family records of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries; Noah walked with God.
Genesis 5:22; 6:9 HCSB
I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people.
Leviticus 26:12 HCSB
And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear the Lord your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, and to worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul?
Deuteronomy 10:12 HCSB
Only carefully obey the command and instruction that Moses the Lord’s servant gave you: to love the Lord your God, walk in all His ways, keep His commands, remain faithful to Him, and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.
Joshua 22:5 HCSB
He said:
“Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below, keeping the gracious covenant with Your servants who walk before You with their whole heart.”
1 Kings 8:23 HCSB
Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 HCSB
And what agreement does God’s sanctuary have with idols? For we are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said: I will dwell among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.
2 Corinthians 6:16 HCSB
But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy.
Revelation 3:4 HCSB
What comes to your mind when you think of taking a walk? Is it a chore? Is it relaxing? What images does it bring up from your past? Where do you like to walk? Who do you like to walk with? What do you like to talk about?
What are the lessons that the Bible may be making when it compares life with God to walking with God?
- What does it mean to walk by faith and not by sight?
- Do you think God literally and visibly walked in the Garden, or is that symbolic?
- What does it mean to walk in the light?
- Why does the Bible describe Enoch as someone who walked with God?