Lexical Summary paratéreó: To watch closely, to observe carefully, to scrutinize Original Word: παρατηρέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance observe, watch. From para and tereo; to inspect alongside, i.e. Note insidiously or scrupulously -- observe, watch. see GREEK para see GREEK tereo HELPS Word-studies 3906 paratēréō (from 3844 /pará, "from close-beside" and 5083 /tēréō, "carefully watch") – properly, closely watch with great personal interest; scrupulously observe to ensure final "success." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom para and téreó Definition to watch closely, to observe scrupulously NASB Translation observe (1), watched (1), watching (2), watching...closely (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3906: παρατηρέωπαρατηρέω, παρατήρω: imperfect 3 person plural παρετήρουν; 1 aorist παρετήρησα; middle, present παρατηροῦμαι; imperfect 3 person plural παρετηροῦντο; properly, to stand beside and watch (cf. παρά, IV. 1); to watch assiduously, observe carefully; a. to watch, attend to, with the eyes: τά ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ γιγνόμενα; of auguries, Dio Cassius, 38, 13; τινα, one, to see what he is going to do (Xenophon, mem. 3, 14, 4); contextually in a bad sense, to watch insidiously, Luke 20:20 (Tr marginal reading ἀποχωρησαντες) (joined with ἐνεδρεύειν, Polybius 17, 3, 2); τινα (Polybius 11, 9, 9; the Sept. Psalm 36:12 b. to observe equivalent to to keep scrupulously; to neglect nothing requisite to the religious observance of: ἑβδομάδας, Josephus, Antiquities 3, 5, 5; (τήν τῶν σαββάτων ἡμέραν. id. 14, 10, 25); middle (for oneself, i. e. for one's salvation), ἡμέρας, μῆνας, καιρούς, Galatians 4:10 (ὅσα προσταττουσιν, οἱ νόμοι, Dio Cassius, 53, 10; (τά εἰς βρῶσιν οὐ νενομισμενα, Josephus, contra Apion 2, 39, 2)). Strong’s Greek 3906 (paratēreō) portrays the deliberate, intent watching of people, events, or seasons. The verb can tip either toward hostile espionage or toward meticulous, even scrupulous, observance. The object watched may be a person (as in the Gospels and Acts) or calendrical practices (Galatians 4:10). Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 6:7 – Religious leaders “were watching Jesus to see whether He would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse Him.” Patterns and Themes 1. Hostile Surveillance of the Righteous Every Gospel and Acts use is adversarial. Religious elites and persecutors shadow Jesus and His servants, hoping to entangle them in legal or political snares. The word underscores how unrighteous hearts misuse scrutiny to condemn rather than to learn (Luke 20:20; Acts 9:24). 2. Legalistic Scrupulosity In Galatians 4:10 paratēreō shifts from spying on persons to scrupulous rule-keeping. Paul grieves that believers now subject themselves to calendrical regulations, “turning back to weak and worthless principles” (Galatians 4:9). The same word that described Pharisaic surveillance now describes the Galatians’ own self-imposed bondage, exposing legalism as a spiritual snare. 3. Opposition to Kingdom Mercy All three Sabbath-healing contexts (Luke 6:7; Mark 3:2; Luke 14:1) highlight the tension between grace and hard-hearted religiosity. While Christ extends mercy, observers weaponize the Law. Paratēreō thus becomes a marker of hearts that miss the Messiah standing before them. Historical Background Pharisaic sects in first-century Judea cultivated vigilance over Sabbath fidelity. The verb mirrors the climate of religious policing reflected in rabbinic literature. Likewise, in Greco-Roman cities like Damascus, city gates were watched for fugitives, making Acts 9:24 a historically credible detail. Theological Significance • The misuse of watchfulness spotlights the blindness that accompanies self-righteousness. Practical Ministry Insights 1. Discern Motives in Accountability Churches are called to mutual oversight, yet paratēreō exposes how oversight can degenerate into fault-finding. Leaders should ask whether their “watching” protects or prosecutes fellow believers. 2. Guard Against Ritualistic Drift Seasonal observances—whether liturgical calendars or cultural holidays—must remain gospel-centered. Paul’s warning discourages elevating any calendar beyond the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work. 3. Perseverance under Scrutiny Jesus, and later Paul, endured hostile surveillance without compromising mission. Modern disciples can expect similar scrutiny and are called to respond with integrity and steadfast proclamation. Christological Connection The concentration of paratēreō in Gospel conflict scenes reveals the irony that those who watched Jesus most closely missed the very signs they sought. Their vigilant eyes remained spiritually blind. Luke records that “they could find no charge to bring against Him” (Luke 6:7, implied), affirming Christ’s sinlessness while exposing human depravity. Conclusion Strong’s 3906 serves as a linguistic window into the dangers of hostile observation and legalistic obsession. Whether describing Pharisees stalking Jesus, conspirators lurking for Paul, or believers slipping into ritual bondage, paratēreō warns that hearts can watch for faults rather than for faith. Believers are called instead to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), transforming vigilance from suspicion into worship. Englishman's Concordance Mark 3:2 V-IIA-3PGRK: καὶ παρετήρουν αὐτὸν εἰ NAS: They were watching Him [to see] if KJV: And they watched him, whether INT: and they were watching him whether Luke 6:7 V-IIM-3P Luke 14:1 V-PPM-NMP Luke 20:20 V-APA-NMP Acts 9:24 V-IIM-3P Galatians 4:10 V-PIM-2P Strong's Greek 3906 |
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