Lexical Summary skopeó: To look at, regard, consider, take heed Original Word: σκοπέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance consider, take heed, mark. From skopos; to take aim at (spy), i.e. (figuratively) regard -- consider, take heed, look at (on), mark. Compare optanomai. see GREEK skopos see GREEK optanomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom skopos Definition to look at, contemplate NASB Translation keep your eye on (1), look (2), looking (1), observe (1), watch (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4648: σκοπέωσκοπέω, σκόπω; (σκοπός, which see); from Homer down; to look at, observe, contemplate. to mark: absolutely, followed by μή with the indicative (see μή, III. 2), Luke 11:35; τινα, to fix one's eyes upon, direct one's attention to, anyone: Romans 16:17; Philippians 3:17; σεαυτόν, followed by μή with the subjunctive to look to, take heed to thyself, lest etc. Galatians 6:1 (see μή, II. 1 b.); τί, to look at, i. e. care for, have regard to, a thing: 2 Corinthians 4:18; Philippians 2:4 (2 Macc. 4:5). (Compare: ἐπισκόπω, κατασκοπέω.) Topical Lexicon The Call to Spiritual Vigilance Luke 11:35 records Christ’s warning, “See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.” The verb here commands an intentional, continual examination of one’s inner moral and spiritual state. Jesus places responsibility upon every disciple to evaluate attitudes and motives under the searching light of divine truth, refusing complacency or hidden sin. Guarding Against False Teaching Romans 16:17 exhorts, “Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.” The church is told to maintain doctrinal clarity by marking and avoiding teachers who deviate from apostolic instruction. The verb stresses careful scrutiny; discernment protects unity and purity in the body of Christ. Imitating Godly Examples In Philippians 3:17 Paul urges, “Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.” Believers are to fix their attention on mature models who embody Christ-likeness. Deliberate observation fosters spiritual growth and safeguards against the destructive influence of worldly patterns (Philippians 3:18-19). Restorative Gentleness and Self-Watch Galatians 6:1 balances corrective ministry with self-examination: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Genuine restoration requires compassionate vigilance—toward the stumbling brother and toward one’s own vulnerability. Unselfish Concern for Others Philippians 2:4 commands, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Christian community flourishes when members voluntarily give sustained attention to the welfare of fellow believers, imitating the self-emptying mindset of Christ (Philippians 2:5-8). Eternal Perspective Amid Suffering 2 Corinthians 4:18 contrasts transient affliction with lasting glory: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” The present imperative calls believers to habitually orient their sight toward unseen realities—God’s promises, the resurrection, and the coming kingdom—thus nurturing hope and endurance. Theological Threads • Human responsibility: The verb consistently assigns active agency; believers must choose where to direct attention. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Develop habits of scriptural self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24; Luke 11:35). Personal Reflection Questions • Where is my gaze fixed—on the temporal or the eternal? The six New Testament occurrences form a unified summons: train the eyes of the heart to remain alert—toward personal holiness, doctrinal truth, mutual care, and everlasting glory. Forms and Transliterations σκοπει σκόπει σκοπειν σκοπείν σκοπεῖν σκοπειτε σκοπείτε σκοπεῖτε σκοπεύει σκοπεύοντες σκοπεύουσι σκόπευσον σκοπεύων σκοπήσασθαι σκοπιά σκοπιάν σκοπιάς σκοπιών σκοπουντες σκοποῦντες σκοπουντων σκοπούντων σκοπων σκοπών σκοπῶν skopei skópei skopein skopeîn skopeite skopeîte skopon skopôn skopōn skopō̂n skopountes skopoûntes skopounton skopountōn skopoúnton skopoúntōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 11:35 V-PMA-2SGRK: σκόπει οὖν μὴ NAS: Then watch out that the light KJV: Take heed therefore that the light INT: Take heed therefore lest Romans 16:17 V-PNA 2 Corinthians 4:18 V-PPA-GMP Galatians 6:1 V-PPA-NMS Philippians 2:4 V-PPA-NMP Philippians 3:17 V-PMA-2P Strong's Greek 4648 |
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