Lexical Summary anatheóreó: To observe, to consider, to look closely Original Word: ἀναθεωρέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance behold, consider. From ana and theoreo; to look again (i.e. Attentively) at (literally or figuratively) -- behold, consider. see GREEK ana see GREEK theoreo HELPS Word-studies 333 anatheōréō (from 303 /aná, "up, as in completing a process," which intensifies 2334 /theōréō, "gaze on") – properly, consider thoroughly (literally "up and down"); pay very close attention (doting) to grasp the fuller meaning of something. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ana and theóreó Definition to observe carefully NASB Translation considering (1), examining (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 333: ἀναθεωρέωἀναθεωρέω, (ῶ; properly, 'to survey a series of things from the lowest to the highest, German daranhinsehen,längsdurchsehen (to look along up or through) (Winers De verb. comp. Part iii., p. 3); hence, to look at attentively, to observe accurately, consider well: τί, Acts 17:23; Hebrews 13:7. (Diodorus Siculus 12, 15 ἐξ ἐπιπολῆς μέν θεωρούμενος ... ἀναθεωρούμενος δέ καί μετ' ἀκριβείας ἐξεταζόμενος; 14, 109; 2, 5; Lucian, vit. auct. 2; necyom. 15; Plutarch, Aem. P. 1 (uncertain); Cat. min. 14; (adverb Colot. 21, 2).) Topical Lexicon Concept Overview Strong’s Greek 333 portrays a deliberate, penetrating gaze that moves past a casual glance to a thoughtful assessment. It highlights a mind that measures, discerns, and draws conclusions. In Scripture the verb is used twice, pairing close visual attention with spiritual discernment—once by the missionary apostle Paul and once by the writer of Hebrews addressing the life of the church. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Acts 17:23 Acts 17:23 – Discernment in Missionary Engagement While in Athens, Paul “examined” the city’s religious artifacts: “For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD” (Acts 17:23). The verb emphasizes Paul’s careful cultural exegesis. He neither rushed to condemn nor superficially accommodated; instead, he took time to study the prevailing worldview, identify a point of contact, and proclaim Christ as its fulfillment. His example instructs modern mission practice to combine spiritual fervor with attentive observation, ensuring the gospel is presented both faithfully and intelligibly. Hebrews 13:7 – Deliberate Reflection upon Godly Leadership “Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). Here the verb moves the believer to review, evaluate, and emulate. The call is not blind hero-worship; rather, it is an informed assessment of the leaders’ entire course—teaching, conduct, endurance, and legacy. The church is urged to weigh how gospel truth shaped these leaders’ lives, and then to mirror that same faith in practical obedience. Old Testament Echoes and Intertestamental Background Although the precise verb is absent from the Septuagint, the concept resonates with Old Testament admonitions to “consider” (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:39; Psalm 64:9), where reflection upon God’s works leads to renewed covenant loyalty. Jewish wisdom tradition likewise calls for pondering the righteous path (Sirach 14:20-21), setting a backdrop for the New Testament’s exhortation to thoughtful examination. Theological Dimensions 1. Revelation and Response: Careful observation is portrayed as preparatory to divine revelation. Paul’s scrutiny precedes proclamation; the congregation’s scrutiny precedes imitation. Historical Reflection in Early Church Patristic writers picked up the theme. Athanasius commended believers to “survey the saints of old” so that their perseverance might spur the church to steadfastness in persecution. Bede, commenting on Acts, praised Paul’s “careful searching of every altar” as a model for evangelists encountering pagan societies. The verb therefore became a touchstone for both apologetics and hagiography. Pastoral and Personal Application • Evangelism: Before answering a culture, study it; discern idols, longings, and inconsistencies, then point to Christ. Related Terms and Themes • θεωρέω (to behold) – the broader seeing from which 333 intensifies. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 333 underscores that faith involves the eyes of both body and mind. Scripture models a sanctified curiosity—one that surveys culture for gospel bridges and surveys lives for gospel fruit. Whether engaging the world like Paul or honoring church leaders as in Hebrews, believers are summoned to thoughtful, worshipful observation that leads to proclamation, imitation, and transformation. Forms and Transliterations αναθεωρουντες αναθεωρούντες ἀναθεωροῦντες αναθεωρων αναθεωρών ἀναθεωρῶν anatheoron anatheorôn anatheōrōn anatheōrō̂n anatheorountes anatheoroûntes anatheōrountes anatheōroûntesLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 17:23 V-PPA-NMSGRK: γὰρ καὶ ἀναθεωρῶν τὰ σεβάσματα NAS: For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, KJV: and beheld your INT: indeed and beholding the objects of worship Hebrews 13:7 V-PPA-NMP Strong's Greek 333 |
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