θεωρέω
theōréō
G2334 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To observe attentively, to watch or view closely; in broader usage, to perceive or discern through attentive observation, sometimes with engaged contemplation or evaluation of what is seen. The term can refer both to physical sight, especially watching as a spectator, and to the attentive or contemplative process of considering or assessing what is observed.
Semantic Range
to observe attentively, to watch as a spectator, to look at or behold, to consider or contemplate, to discern or perceive significance, to attend to with evaluative perception
Root / Etymology
Formed from the stem θεωρ-; related to θεάομαι ('to view, to behold') and ὁράω ('to see'), with possible influence from both. The precise sequence of derivation is debated; the suffix -έω marks a denominative verb, often expressing action or process.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, θεωρέω referred particularly to the act of attending a spectacle or observing a public event, as in festivals, religious rituals, or dramatic performances—carrying a connotation of formal or detached observation. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek (including the New Testament), the verb expanded to mean thoughtful looking, observing, perceiving, or contemplating, sometimes with the implication of discerning meaning or significance (cf. John 2:23, 6:19). In the Septuagint, θεωρέω was used to translate a variety of Hebrew verbs related to seeing or watching, sometimes in the sense of witnessing an event. The word does not focus on a passive glance (as with ὁράω), but rather on active, sometimes evaluative observation. English translations such as 'see' or 'behold' may not fully capture the sense of thoughtful attention or consideration that is often present. In contrast to ὁράω (simple 'to see') and βλέπω (to physically look at), θεωρέω implies extended observation, study, or discernment. The semantic overlap with ἀτενίζω (to gaze intently) is present in some contexts, but θεωρέω retains connotations of appraisal and assessment in addition to perception.
Translation Consistency
'Observe' best covers the SILEX range — attentive watching as a spectator and the contemplative/perceptive sense of discerning significance. It is natural English, matches the predominant P2 renderings ('observing'), and is broader and less ambiguous than 'see' or narrower than 'watch,' so it will consistently render both physical and evaluative senses.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a derivative of θεάομαι (perhaps by addition of ὁράω); to be a spectator of, i.e. discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge)):--behold, consider, look on, perceive, see. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.
Root Family
θεωρέω (theōreō) — to observe, to watch, to contemplate
Word Forms
22 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2334-08 |
θεωρεῖτε | theoreite | V PRS ACT IND 2P PL |
you see | you are observing attentively | you are observing attentively | 12 |
G2334-05 |
θεωρεῖ | theorei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
sees | he/she attentively observes | he/she attentively observes | 9 |
G2334-18 |
θεωροῦντες | theorountes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
observing | those attentively observing | those attentively observing | 5 |
G2334-15 |
θεωρῶν | theoron | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
beholds | observing attentively | observing attentively | 4 |
G2334-03 |
ἐθεώρουν | etheoroun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
they saw | they were observing closely | they were observing closely | 4 |
G2334-14 |
θεωρῶ | theoro | V PRS ACT IND 1P SG |
I see | I am observing attentively | I am observing attentively | 4 |
G2334-22 |
θεωροῦσιν | theorousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
they see | they are observing closely | they are observing closely | 3 |
G2334-21 |
θεωροῦσαι | theorousai | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F PL |
beholding | attentively observing | attentively observing | 2 |
G2334-06 |
θεωρεῖν | theorein | V PRS ACT INF |
to see | to observe attentively | to observe attentively | 2 |
G2334-07 |
θεωρεῖς | theoreis | V PRS ACT IND 2P SG |
you see | you are attentively observing | you are attentively observing | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
58 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2334-21 |
Matthew 27:55 | θεωροῦσαι | theorousai | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F PL |
beholding | attentively observing | attentively observing |
G2334-09 |
Matthew 28:1 | θεωρῆσαι | theoresai | V AOR ACT INF |
to see | to observe attentively | to observe attentively |
G2334-03 |
Mark 3:11 | ἐθεώρουν | etheoroun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
they saw | they were observing closely | they were observing closely |
G2334-22 |
Mark 5:15 | θεωροῦσιν | theorousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
they see | they are observing closely | they are observing closely |
G2334-05 |
Mark 5:38 | θεωρεῖ | theorei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
he sees | he/she attentively observes | he attentively observes |
G2334-01 |
Mark 12:41 | ἐθεώρει | etheorei | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
was watching | was attentively observing | was attentively observing |
G2334-21 |
Mark 15:40 | θεωροῦσαι | theorousai | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F PL |
looking on | attentively observing | attentively observing |
G2334-03 |
Mark 15:47 | ἐθεώρουν | etheoroun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
were watching | they were observing closely | they were observing closely |
G2334-22 |
Mark 16:4 | θεωροῦσιν | theorousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
they see | they are observing closely | they are observing closely |
G2334-03 |
Luke 10:18 | ἐθεώρουν | etheoroun | V IMPF ACT IND 1P SG |
I was beholding | they were observing closely | I was observing closely |