Original Word: παρακολουθέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: parakoloutheó
Pronunciation: pah-rah-ko-loo-THEH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (par-ak-ol-oo-theh'-o)
KJV: attain, follow, fully know, have understanding
NASB: accompany, followed, following, investigated
Word Origin: [from G3844 (παρά - than) and G190 (ἀκολουθέω - followed)]

1. to follow near
2. (figuratively) attend (as a result), trace out, conform to

follow, fully know, have understanding.

From para and akoloutheo; to follow near, i.e. (figuratively) attend (as a result), trace out, conform to -- attain, follow, fully know, have understanding.

see GREEK para

see GREEK akoloutheo

3877 parakolouthéō (from 3844 /pará, "from close-beside" and 190 /akolouthéō, "follow") – properly, follow closely, especially through a detailed comparing; follow after closely to resemble (illustrate, play out) what leads.

Word Origin
from para and akoloutheó
Definition
to follow closely, to investigate
NASB Translation
accompany (1), followed (1), following (1), investigated (1).

STRONGS NT 3877: παρακολουθέω

παρακολουθέω, παρακολούθω: future παρακολουθήσω; 1 aorist παρηκολούθησα (1 Timothy 4:6 L marginal reading WH marginal reading; 2 Timothy 3:10 L T Tr WH text); perfect παρηκολούθηκα;

1. to follow after; so to follow one as to be always at his side (see παρά, IV. 1); to follow close, accompany (so from Aristophanes and Xenophon down).

2. metaphorically,

a. to be always present, to attend one wherever he goes: τίνι, Mark 16:17 (where Tr WH text ἀκολουθησει, which see).

b. to follow up a thing in mind so as to attain to the knowledge of it, i. e. to understand (cf. our follow a matter up, trace its course, etc.); to examine thoroughly, investigate: πᾶσιν (i. e. πράγμασιν), all things that have taken place, Luke 1:3 (very often so in Greek auth, as Demosthenes, pro cor. c. 53 (p. 285, 23)).

c. to follow faithfully namely, a standard or rule, to conform oneself to: with a dative of the thing, 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:10 (2 Macc. 9:27). Cf. the full discussion of this word by Grimm in the Jahrbb. f. deutsche Theol. for 1871, p. 46f.

Summary of Meaning and Nuance

Parakoloutheó (Strong’s 3877) depicts attentive and sustained following—whether of events, persons, or teaching. It connotes both careful investigation and loyal adherence. The term captures a disciple’s intentional pursuit of truth as well as a historian’s painstaking research.

Occurrences in the New Testament

1. Luke 1:3 – Luke testifies that he has “carefully investigated everything from the beginning” in order to write an orderly account of Jesus’ life.
2. 1 Timothy 4:6 – Paul tells Timothy that he “has been nourished in the truths of the faith” because he has followed Paul’s instructions.
3. 2 Timothy 3:10 – Paul reminds Timothy, “You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, patience, love, and perseverance.”

Reliability of the Gospel Record

Luke’s use reveals the evangelist’s method: comprehensive, personal research grounded in eyewitness testimony. “It seemed good to me as well, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, to write for you an orderly account” (Luke 1:3). Parakoloutheó underscores the historical credibility of Luke–Acts; the Gospel rests not on hearsay but on diligent verification. It assures readers that the Gospel writer exercised exacting care, aligning with the biblical claim that “every word of God is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5).

Pattern of Apostolic Discipleship

In the Pastoral Epistles the verb shifts from historical research to relational mentoring. Timothy has “closely followed” both the doctrine and the lifestyle of Paul. The emphasis moves beyond intellectual assent to embodied apprenticeship:

• Doctrine – Timothy guards the “sound words” handed down by Paul (2 Timothy 1:13).
• Conduct – He observes and imitates apostolic behavior amid suffering (2 Timothy 3:10–11).
• Perseverance – He endures hardship as a “good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3).

Thus parakoloutheó becomes a call for ministers to bind themselves to both the message and the model of the apostles.

Pastoral Formation and Teaching Ministry

1 Timothy 4:6 links careful following to effective service: “By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound doctrine that you have followed”. Pastoral fitness arises from continued, deliberate exposure to apostolic truth. The verb urges teachers to master Scripture so thoroughly that it shapes their thinking, behavior, and instruction.

Defense Against Error

The immediate context of 1 Timothy 4 warns against “deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” Parakoloutheó marks the line between orthodoxy and apostasy: those who attend closely to apostolic teaching remain steadfast; those who neglect it drift. In an age of competing voices, the term invites believers to rigorous examination of doctrine in light of the authoritative Word.

Implications for Contemporary Believers

• Investigate Scripture with diligence, mirroring Luke’s careful inquiry.
• Attach oneself to trustworthy expositors who reflect Paul’s pattern of life and doctrine.
• Cultivate a discipleship that is both intellectual and relational—knowing the truth and walking in it.
• Stand firm against false teaching by continuous, attentive adherence to the apostolic witness preserved in the Scriptures.

Conclusion

Strong’s 3877 weaves together historical fidelity and personal discipleship. Whether authenticating the Gospel narrative or forming leaders for the church, parakoloutheó embodies a posture of devoted, informed, and persevering followership that remains essential for every generation of believers.

παρακολουθήσει παρηκολουθηκας παρηκολούθηκας παρηκολούθηκάς παρηκολουθηκοτι παρηκολουθηκότι παρηκολουθησας παρηκολούθησάς parekolouthekas parekoloúthekas parēkolouthēkas parēkoloúthēkas parekolouthekoti parekolouthekóti parēkolouthēkoti parēkolouthēkóti parekolouthesas parekoloúthesás parēkolouthēsas parēkoloúthēsásInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts