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παρατηρέω

paratēréō

G3906 verb

SILEX Entry

Root τηρ- to watch, to observe, to keep

Definition

To watch closely, to observe attentively. The primary sense is to keep a careful or intent watch on something, often with a view to assessing, evaluating, or finding fault; it can describe both earnest scrutiny and wary, potentially suspicious observation. In various contexts, it may refer to observing someone's actions with critical intent, or monitoring for compliance or transgression.

Semantic Range

to observe closely, to watch critically, to monitor for compliance or error, to look for a sign, to scrutinize, to watch with suspicion

Root / Etymology

From παρά (beside, alongside) and τηρέω (to keep, to watch, to guard). The compound intensifies the sense of observation, implying close or side-by-side scrutiny.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, παρατηρέω meant to pay especially close attention, usually to actions, signs, or prescribed duties. In the New Testament, it often denotes a critical or even adversarial watching—such as the careful scrutiny the Pharisees gave to Jesus, sometimes seeking grounds for accusation (Luke 6:7, 14:1). The verb can also refer to watching for omens or signs, especially in non-Jewish religious contexts. English translations generally render it as 'watch,' 'observe,' or 'keep an eye on,' but these may miss the typical nuance of scrutiny or searching for a point of criticism. In the Septuagint, the term is rare; more typical are forms of τηρέω for keeping or observing. The sense of observing 'scrupulously' or 'with ulterior motive' is especially pronounced in Koine Greek texts, distinguishing παρατηρέω from the more neutral 'observe' or 'guard' (τηρέω alone).

Translation Consistency

primary "watch" 6 occurrences

paratēréō primarily means to watch or observe closely, often with scrutiny or suspicion. 'Watch' is the most natural, flexible English verb that conveys attentive, potentially critical monitoring in everyday language, and will read well in all inflected forms. ('Observe' is more formal and 'monitor' more technical, so 'watch' best fits the typical usage.)

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from παρά and τηρέω; to inspect alongside, i.e. note insidiously or scrupulously:--observe, watch.

Root Family

παρατηρέω (paratēreō) — to watch closely, to observe attentively, to scrutinize, to monitor

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3906-05 παρετηροῦντο pareterounto V IMPF MID IND 3P PL they were watching they were closely watching for themselves they were closely watching 2
G3906-02 παρατηρήσαντες parateresantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL they watched closely having closely watched having closely watched 1
G3906-01 παρατηρεῖσθε paratereisthe V PRS MID IND 2P PL observe you are closely watching for yourselves you are closely watching for yourselves 1
G3906-03 παρατηρούμενοι parateroumenoi V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL watching those closely watching for themselves watching closely 1
G3906-04 παρετήρουν pareteroun V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL they watched they were closely watching they were closely watching 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3906-04 Mark 3:2 παρετήρουν pareteroun V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL they watched they were closely watching they were closely watching
G3906-05 Luke 6:7 παρετηροῦντο pareterounto V IMPF MID IND 3P PL were watching closely they were closely watching for themselves they were closely watching
G3906-03 Luke 14:1 παρατηρούμενοι parateroumenoi V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL watching those closely watching for themselves watching closely
G3906-02 Luke 20:20 παρατηρήσαντες parateresantes V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL they watched closely having closely watched having closely watched
G3906-05 Acts 9:24 παρετηροῦντο pareterounto V IMPF MID IND 3P PL they were watching they were closely watching for themselves they were closely watching for themselves
G3906-01 Galatians 4:10 παρατηρεῖσθε paratereisthe V PRS MID IND 2P PL observe you are closely watching for yourselves you are closely watching for yourselves
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