σκοπέω
skopéō
G4648 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To observe attentively, to keep watch upon, to look at with scrutiny or careful attention. In extended usage, to pay close attention to, to consider or take heed, to examine or regard with intent. The primary sense involves deliberate viewing or surveillance, whether literal or figurative.
Semantic Range
to watch attentively, to keep an eye on, to scrutinize, to consider, to take heed, to examine, to regard, to be mindful, to look at carefully
Root / Etymology
Derived from σκοπός (skopos), meaning 'a watcher' or 'one who observes,' ultimately from the verb σκοπέω, which means 'to look at,' with possible relation to Indo-European root *spek- ('to observe').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σκοπέω denoted the act of watching, marking, or considering with care, often with the implication of scrutiny or deliberate observation. By the Hellenistic period and in Koine usage, it appears frequently with both literal and extended metaphorical senses—such as 'to consider,' 'to pay attention to,' or 'to take heed of' circumstances, individuals, or teachings. In the Septuagint, it typically renders Hebrew roots for 'observe,' 'consider,' or 'watch.' In the New Testament, σκοπέω regularly conveys the notion of intentional attention, whether ethical ('take heed to yourself,' Phil 3:17) or observational ('watch closely'). Modern English translations often use 'consider,' 'observe,' or 'take heed,' but none fully convey the sense of alert watchfulness and evaluative attention inherent in the Greek. Related verbs include βλέπω ('see'), ὁράω ('perceive, see'), and ἐπισκοπέω ('oversee, supervise'), with σκοπέω emphasizing attentive or discerning monitoring rather than mere sight.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σκοπός; to take aim at (spy), i.e. (figuratively) regard:--consider, take heed, look at (on), mark. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.
Root Family
σκοπέω (skopeō) — to watch, to observe, to consider
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G4649 | σκοπός | attentively watching one |
Word Forms
6 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4648-04 |
σκοπῶν | skopon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
looking | the one watching closely | 1 |
G4648-01 |
σκόπει | skopei | V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG |
watch out | keep watching carefully | 1 |
G4648-03 |
σκοπεῖτε | skopeite | V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL |
observe | Keep watching carefully | 1 |
G4648-05 |
σκοποῦντες | skopountes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
looking out | carefully observing | 1 |
G4648-06 |
σκοπούντων | skopounton | V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M PL |
of those watching closely | 1 | |
G4648-02 |
σκοπεῖν | skopein | V PRS ACT INF |
to watch out for | to observe closely | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4648-01 |
Luke 11:35 | σκόπει | skopei | V PRS ACT IMP 2P SG |
watch out | keep watching carefully |
G4648-02 |
Romans 16:17 | σκοπεῖν | skopein | V PRS ACT INF |
to watch out for | to observe closely |
G4648-06 |
2 Corinthians 4:18 | σκοπούντων | skopounton | V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M PL |
of those watching closely | |
G4648-04 |
Galatians 6:1 | σκοπῶν | skopon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
looking | the one watching closely |
G4648-05 |
Philippians 2:4 | σκοποῦντες | skopountes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
looking out | carefully observing |
G4648-03 |
Philippians 3:17 | σκοπεῖτε | skopeite | V PRS ACT IMP 2P PL |
observe | Keep watching carefully |