UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to follow, to come behind, to go behind

Semantic entry: 15.144

Semantic domains: Linear Movement

Subdomains: Come/Go Behind

Definition: to come/go behind or after someone else

Sense 2: to accompany as a follower, to follow, to go along with

Semantic entry: 15.156

Semantic domains: Linear Movement

Subdomains: Follow, Accompany

Definition: to follow or accompany someone who takes the lead in determining direction and route of movement

Notes: ἀκολουθέω[b] differs from ἀκολουθέω[a] (15.144: ἀκολουθέω) in that it specifies a factor of accompaniment rather than merely going behind.

Sense 3: to follow, to be a disciple of

Semantic entry: 36.31

Semantic domains: Guide, Discipline, Follow

Subdomains: Follow, Be a Disciple

Definition: to be a follower or a disciple of someone, in the sense of adhering to the teachings or instructions of a leader and in promoting the cause of such a leader

Notes: Though many translators have attempted to employ the metaphorical significance of ‘to follow’ in the sense of ‘to be a disciple of,’ there are certain dangers in a number of languages. For example, ‘to follow’ may often have the connotation of ‘to pursue after with evil intent.’ In many languages the appropriate equivalent of ‘to follow’ (in the sense of ‘to be a disciple’) is literally ‘to accompany’ or ‘to go along with’ or ‘to be in the group of.’