ἐποπτεύω
epopteúō
G2029 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To observe attentively, to watch over, inspect, or oversee with special attention; to behold in a manner indicating scrutiny or supervision. The term carries the sense of careful and purposeful observation, often with a focus on moral oversight or assessment of conduct. In some contexts, it may refer to acting as an overseer or guardian.
Semantic Range
observe attentively, watch over, inspect, oversee, behold with evaluative attention, act as a guardian or supervisor
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐπί (upon, over) + ὀπτεύω (to look, to see; related to ὀπτάνομαι, 'to appear, be seen'). The word is a denominative verb derived through the intensive or supervisory force provided by ἐπί.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ἐποπτεύω is rare in classical Greek, with most attestations found in postclassical and Koine sources. It was used in the context of both literal and figurative observation—in classical texts often for ritual or official inspection, and in Hellenistic and New Testament usage for moral supervision or attentive oversight. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term typically implies a watchful, evaluative gaze, as of someone in a position of authority or responsibility (e.g., an overseer or leader). Later translation traditions, including early English Bibles, often use 'behold' or 'look upon,' which may fail to convey the nuance of supervision or moral scrutiny inherent in the term. It stands in contrast to verbs such as βλέπω (to see, simply perceive) or σκοπέω (to consider, examine), as ἐποπτεύω implies continued, purpose-driven oversight rather than momentary observation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and a derivative of ὀπτάνομαι; to inspect, i.e. watch:--behold.
Root Family
ἐποπτ- (epopteúō) — to oversee, to observe, to watch over
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2029-01 |
ἐποπτεύοντες | epopteuontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
they observe | those overseeing | observing | 1 |
G2029-02 |
ἐποπτεύσαντες | epopteusantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
while they behold | having attentively observed | having attentively observed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2029-01 |
1 Peter 2:12 | ἐποπτεύοντες | epopteuontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
they observe | those overseeing | observing |
G2029-02 |
1 Peter 3:2 | ἐποπτεύσαντες | epopteusantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
while they behold | having attentively observed | having attentively observed |