παρατηρέω

From the study of Galatians 4:10

Range of meaning

Built on τηρέω ('keep, guard') with the prefix παρά ('alongside, closely'). It has two main senses: (1) to watch closely, often with suspicion or hostility, as when lying in wait or spying on someone; (2) to observe scrupulously, keeping rules or dates with careful exactness. BDAG gives both: 'watch closely' and 'observe (religiously)'. The related noun παρατήρησις ('close watching') could be used for watching signs, including signs in the sky.

Against the English

English 'observe' can mean 'notice' as well as 'keep (a holiday)'. Readers may hear something mild, like marking a date on a calendar. The Greek suggests meticulous, watchful keeping, the posture of someone afraid of getting the date wrong.

How it drifted

Not strictly drift, since 'observe' has long meant 'keep a festival'. But the everyday modern sense of 'notice' or 'happen to celebrate' flattens the intensity.

Used elsewhere in the period

Greek Old Testament Ps 36:12 (Eng. 37:12): 'the sinner watches closely the righteous'. In the New Testament it describes Jesus' opponents watching him to catch him out (Mark 3:2; Luke 6:7; 14:1; 20:20) and enemies watching the gates to kill Saul (Acts 9:24). Josephus uses it for Jews keeping the seventh day (Antiquities 3.91), the religious sense found here. Lightfoot (1865) observed that the compound suggests a punctilious, scrupulous observance.

From the study of Luke 14:1

Range of meaning

To watch closely or keep a careful eye on, often with a hidden motive: lying in wait, spying, waiting for a mistake. It can also mean to 'observe' a ritual, such as keeping certain days (Gal 4:10). The prefix para- ('beside') gives the sense of watching from the side, keeping someone under steady observation.

Against the English

KJV and WEB 'watched him' is accurate, but the English sounds neutral, as if people were just looking on. BSB 'watching Him closely' and similar modern versions add the intensity. None fully conveys the sense of waiting to catch him out.

How it drifted

Ordinary English 'watch' has no built-in hostility. The Greek verb leans that way in Luke's usage.

Used elsewhere in the period

Greek Old Testament Psalm 36:12 (Hebrew 37:12): 'the sinner will watch (paratērēsetai) the righteous and gnash his teeth at him.' Susanna 12–16 (Theodotion's Greek): the two elders watch for a chance to trap Susanna. Greek historians such as Polybius use the word for watching an enemy for an opening. In the New Testament: Mark 3:2 and Luke 6:7, where opponents watch whether Jesus will heal on the Sabbath 'so that they might accuse him'; Luke 20:20, where they 'watched him and sent spies.' BDAG lists the sense 'watch closely, observe… with sinister intent.'

From the study of Mark 3:2

Range of meaning

To watch closely, keep under observation. It is a stronger form of the ordinary verb for watching or keeping (tēreō). In the Greek of the period it ranges from neutral careful observing (watching the stars, observing days: Gal 4:10, the only NT use in the middle voice with a neutral sense) to watching with bad intent: spying, lying in wait, watching for someone to slip. BDAG lists both senses and puts Mark 3:2 under watching 'with sinister intent'.

Against the English

KJV, WEB and ESV say 'watched', which today sounds neutral or even friendly ('watched him heal'). NIV and NLT add 'closely', which gets the intensity. None of them fully brings out the sense of surveillance aimed at a catch, which a phrase like 'kept him under watch' or 'were watching him like hawks' would.

How it drifted

Not a change in the English word so much as English 'watch' being broader and softer than this Greek compound.

Used elsewhere in the period

Greek Psalm 36:12 (Hebrew 37:12): 'the sinner will watch (paratērēsetai) the righteous and gnash his teeth at him.' Susanna (Theodotion's Greek) 12: the two elders 'kept watching (paretēroun) eagerly day by day to see her', the predatory watching that leads to a false accusation. Luke uses the verb of the same scene (6:7), of Pharisees watching Jesus at a meal (14:1), and of planted spies (20:20). Josephus also uses it of watching enemies for a chance to strike.