παρατήρησις

From the study of Luke 17:20

Range of meaning

Close, attentive watching. The word is built from para- ("beside", here adding intensity) and tērēsis ("watching, keeping"). It covers:

• Studied observation that aims to predict something, as in astronomy, weather lore, or a doctor watching symptoms.
• Watching someone with suspicion, lying in wait (compare the related verb in Luke 6:7; 14:1; 20:20).
• Less often, scrupulous observance of rules, days or rites (compare the verb in Galatians 4:10, "you observe days and months").

Against the English

The KJV and WEB have "observation". Today that word mostly means simply seeing something, so the line sounds like "the kingdom can't be seen". Modern versions (BSB "observable signs", NASB "signs to be observed") get closer to the idea of sign-watching. The NIV and ESV phrase it as the kingdom not being "observed". That can still suggest it is invisible, when the point is that it cannot be predicted.

How it drifted

In 1611 "observation" still carried the older senses of careful watching and keeping rites, which is why the Latin observatio fit. Once the English word narrowed to "perceiving with the eyes", the KJV line began to sound like a claim that the kingdom is invisible.

Used elsewhere in the period

The noun occurs only here in the New Testament and does not appear in the main Septuagint. Greek writers of the period use it for scientific or methodical observation, such as watching heavenly bodies or medical signs (see BDAG; LSJ). The Jewish translator Aquila (2nd century AD) is often cited as using it in Exodus 12:42 for the Passover "night of watching". On that basis A. Strobel argued that it refers to the Passover-night expectation of the Messiah (see debates). Luke uses the related verb three times, always for hostile watching of Jesus by religious opponents (6:7; 14:1; 20:20).