Strong's Greek: 3283 -- (Not Used)zzz

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Strong’s Greek 3283 is not attested in the New Testament manuscripts, yet the concept it represents sheds valuable light on biblical theology, church history, and pastoral application.

Probable Meaning and Linguistic Background

Scholars working with cognate literature have linked the term to the idea of watching intently or fixing the gaze with sustained attention. This nuance, observed in Hellenistic writings and the Septuagint, conveys more than casual looking; it suggests steady, purposeful observation that leads to understanding or action. Such a semantic field naturally intersects with scriptural themes of vigilance, discernment, and contemplative faith.

Old Testament Parallels

Although the precise Greek form does not occur in inspired Greek Old Testament texts, the Septuagint frequently renders Hebrew verbs for “watch,” “behold,” or “keep” (for example, shamar and tsaphah) with related Greek vocabulary. Classic passages include:

• Genesis 31:49 – “May the LORD keep watch between you and me while we are apart one from another.”
• Psalm 121:4 – “Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

These occurrences establish a covenantal backdrop in which divine and human watching intertwine. God’s vigilant care models the kind of attentive observation expected from His people.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Vigilance

Scripture repeatedly presents God as the ever-watchful Keeper of His covenant people (2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 34:15; 1 Peter 3:12). The word family around Strong’s 3283 serves as a linguistic reminder that the Lord’s eyes are never shut to His children’s needs and deeds.

2. Human Watchfulness

Believers are called to mirror this vigilant posture. Jesus urges His disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Paul exhorts, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Though Strong’s 3283 itself is absent in these verses, the conceptual overlap is unmistakable: spiritual alertness guards the soul, the flock, and the gospel’s advance.

3. Eschatological Expectation

Biblical watching often carries an end-times dimension. The church awaits Christ’s return “from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, our deliverer from the coming wrath” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). The attentive gaze symbolized by this Greek term underscores a hope-filled readiness for the Lord’s appearing.

Historical and Patristic Usage

Early Christian writers employed cognate verbs when urging believers to keep spiritual watch:

• Ignatius (Letter to Polycarp 1.2) calls elders to “have your eyes open in the Spirit.”
• The Didache (16.1) exhorts, “Watch over your life; let your lamps not be extinguished.”

These sources reveal that the vigilance motif quickly became part of pastoral vocabulary, shaping monastic vigils, nightly prayer watches, and later Protestant emphases on personal devotion and congregational oversight.

Ministry and Pastoral Application

1. Personal Devotion

Meditative Bible reading involves more than scanning words; it is a fixed, discerning gaze upon divine truth (Psalm 119:148). Encourage believers to set aside unhurried time for such attentive watching.

2. Corporate Worship

Historically, “watch-night” services grew out of the conviction that the church should enter each new season alert to God’s direction. Strong’s 3283 conceptually undergirds such gatherings, reminding congregations to look steadily to Christ.

3. Shepherding and Oversight

Elders “keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account” (Hebrews 13:17). The shepherd’s task requires the same persevering observation conveyed by this Greek root—eyes open to danger, need, and opportunity.

4. Missional Readiness

Paul’s missionary bands practiced continual watchfulness in prayer and circumstance (Colossians 4:2; Acts 16:6-10). Modern missions benefit from that same alert stance toward cultural shifts, doors of utterance, and spiritual warfare.

Conclusion

Though Strong’s Greek 3283 itself does not appear in the New Testament text, its underlying idea of sustained, purposeful watching weaves through the fabric of Scripture. It sharpens our understanding of God’s vigilant care, refines disciple-hood in alert obedience, and energizes hope as the church looks steadily toward the blessed appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts