← G4932 G4934 →

συντηρέω

syntēréō

G4933 verb

SILEX Entry

Root συν-τηρέω to keep, to preserve, to guard closely

Definition

To preserve or keep carefully, to maintain something in its existing state or protect it from deterioration or harm; by extension, to hold or retain in one's mind, to remember, to observe or fulfill regulations or requirements.

Semantic Range

to keep safe, to guard carefully, to preserve from harm or loss, to observe closely, to retain in memory, to remember, to fulfill, to maintain intact

Root / Etymology

From σύν (with, together) and τηρέω (to watch over, guard, keep). The compound formation intensifies the sense of keeping by indicating carefulness or collectivity.

Historical & Contextual Notes

συντηρέω is not attested in classical Greek and appears primarily in later, Hellenistic and Koine Greek sources. In the Septuagint, it is used for the careful preservation or safeguarding of something valuable (e.g., life, commandments, teachings), often with an implication of ethically or ritually preserving integrity. In the New Testament, it frequently refers to attentive internal keeping of instructions, such as meditating on or remembering words and events (see Luke 2:19, 51). The nuance can range from physical preservation to mental or spiritual retention. Standard English translations with 'keep' or 'preserve' may not always convey the intensity or watchfulness implied by the compound. The meaning focuses less on rigid enforcement and more on thoughtful, protective retention, especially in relation to commandments, prophecies, or teachings, in contrast to τηρέω, which by itself may emphasize simple observance or guarding.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σύν and τηρέω; to keep closely together, i.e. (by implication) to conserve (from ruin); mentally, to remember (and obey):--keep, observe, preserve.

Root Family

συντηρέω (syntēreō) — keep, preserve, guard closely

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G4933-01 συνετήρει suneterei V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG kept-safe was carefully preserving 2
G4933-02 συντηροῦνται sunterountai V PRS PASS IND 3P PL are being carefully preserved 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G4933-02 Matthew 9:17 συντηροῦνται sunterountai V PRS PASS IND 3P PL are being carefully preserved
G4933-01 Mark 6:20 συνετήρει suneterei V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG kept-safe was carefully preserving
G4933-01 Luke 2:19 συνετήρει suneterei V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG these things was carefully preserving
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