The meaning of “הָלַךְ”
Understanding hâlak reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
akin to יָלַךְ; a primitive root (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phra...
הָלַךְ
akin to יָלַךְ; a primitive root (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. - to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 24:42 | “And I came this day unto the well, and said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go:” Word: הָלַךְ (hâlak) | |
| Judges 9:13 | “And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?” Word: הָלַךְ (hâlak) | |
| 1 Chronicles 17:6 | “Wheresoever I have walked with all Israel, spake I a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people, saying, Why have ye not built me an house of cedars?” Word: הָלַךְ (hâlak) | |
| Proverbs 11:13 | “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” Word: הָלַךְ (hâlak) | |
| Ezekiel 19:6 | “And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men.” Word: הָלַךְ (hâlak) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Walk
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To walk, go, live
The Hebrew halak (הָלַךְ) means to walk—a metaphor for one's manner of life. 'Enoch walked with God' (Genesis 5:24). God calls His people to 'walk in all his ways' (Deuteronomy 10:12).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To walk, live, conduct oneself
The Greek peripateo (περιπατέω) means to walk—describing one's lifestyle. Believers are to 'walk in the Spirit' (Galatians 5:16), 'walk in love' (Ephesians 5:2), and 'walk in the light' (1 John 1:7).