The verb ακολουθεω (akoloutheo) means to accompany, to travel with, but mostly in a subservient or following position. It literally means to path-join and is usually followed by the dative: to path-join to someone.

Our word is formed from the collecting α- (a-) — the same prefix of joining that forms the word αδελφος (adelphos), meaning brother, from the noun δελφυς (delphus), meaning womb. The second part of our verb comes from the noun κελευθος (keleuthos), meaning path or road but most often used to describe a much broader journey or voyage (including sea voyages). In a figurative sense this noun speaks of someone's journey through life or toward a specified goal; one's general attitudes and motivations.

The adjective ακολουθος (akolouthos) means following or attending and is used mostly substantively: follower or attendant. Our verb ακολουθεω (akoloutheo) derives from the adjective and means to go with someone, to follow or be guided by someone (or even things like stars) or to continue the course of a story. On occasion this verb is used to describe how some consequence follows some cause.

Our verb is used 92 times in the New Testament, see full concordance, and from it derive: