κατασκοπέω
kataskopéō
G2684 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To observe or examine closely, often with the implication of secretiveness or intent to gather information; to act as a spy or scout. The verb frequently connotes careful, sometimes surreptitious, investigation, especially in contexts involving the appraisal, assessment, or reconnaissance of persons, groups, or locations.
Semantic Range
to spy out, to engage in secret reconnaissance, to observe closely with investigative intent, to inspect or reconnoiter (often stealthily), to scrutinize for information, to act as a scout
Root / Etymology
From the compound κατα- ('down, according to, thoroughly') and σκοπέω ('to look, watch, observe'); formed from the related noun κατάσκοπος ('spy, observer, scout').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, κατασκοπέω means 'to observe carefully, reconnoiter, spy out' and is commonly used for the activity of scouts or envoys who survey territory or gather intelligence. In the Septuagint, the verb is frequently used to translate Hebrew words for 'spy' or 'scout' (e.g., Num 13:2, Deut 1:24), especially in military or investigative settings. In the New Testament (Gal 2:4), the verb is used for hostile or secretive observation, emphasizing suspicion or the intent to infiltrate. English Bible versions often render the term as 'spy out,' but this does not always capture the nuance of investigation or close scrutiny present in Greek usage. The verb is to be distinguished from σκοπέω, which generally means 'to look at, observe' without the secretive sense; κατασκοπέω implies purposefulness and often hidden intent, making it suitable for contexts involving clandestine or adversarial examination.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατάσκοπος; to be a sentinel, i.e. to inspect insidiously:--spy out.
Root Family
κατασκοπέω (kataskopeō) — to look at, to observe, to examine, to spy out
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2684-01 |
κατασκοπῆσαι | kataskopesai | V AOR ACT INF |
to spy out | to spy out | to spy out | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2684-01 |
Galatians 2:4 | κατασκοπῆσαι | kataskopesai | V AOR ACT INF |
to spy out | to spy out | to spy out |