σκοπέω

From the study of 2 Corinthians 4:18

Range of meaning

To look at closely, watch, keep an eye on; to examine or consider; to have something as one's aim. It is related to skopos, 'mark, target, goal' (Phil 3:14, 'I press on toward the goal'). The idea is attention directed at something on purpose, not just the eyes registering what is in front of them.

Against the English

KJV/WEB 'look not at… but at' is accurate but mild. BSB/NIV 'fix our eyes' brings out the intensity well. ESV 'look… to' suggests orientation. None of them quite brings in the 'target' overtone: we take our bearings from what cannot yet be seen.

Used elsewhere in the period

In classical Greek it is common for examining or considering a question (Plato's 'let us consider', skopōmen). In the NT: Luke 11:35 ('see to it that the light in you is not darkness'), Rom 16:17 ('watch out for those who cause divisions'), Gal 6:1 ('keep watch on yourself'), Phil 2:4 ('look to the interests of others'), Phil 3:17 ('observe those who live this way'). Every use involves deliberate, sustained attention, and often a judgment based on what one is watching.

From the study of Philippians 3:17

Range of meaning

"Look at attentively, keep an eye on, consider, pay careful attention to." It is related to skopos, a watchman, a mark to aim at, or a goal. The word implies focused attention with a purpose, not a passing glance.

Against the English

KJV's "mark them" meant "take note of them." A modern reader may hear "mark" as "single out" or "stigmatise," partly because KJV uses the same word for the opposite case in Rom 16:17 ("mark them which cause divisions… and avoid them"). "Observe" (BSB, YLT), "note" (WEB), and "keep your eyes on" (ESV, NIV) are all accurate. "Keep your eyes on" best captures the steady focus.

How it drifted

In older English, "mark" meant "notice." Today "mark someone" more often suggests labelling or targeting them, which is the opposite of the positive sense here.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the NT: Luke 11:35 ("see to it"); Rom 16:17 (watch the divisive, negative); 2 Cor 4:18 ("we look not at the things seen"); Gal 6:1 ("watching yourself"); Phil 2:4 ("each looking not only to his own interests"). The noun skopos appears in Phil 3:14: "I press on toward the goal (kata skopon)."

From the study of Romans 16:17

Range of meaning

To look at, examine, keep a close eye on, consider carefully. The related noun skopos is a lookout or watchman, or a target someone aims at. The verb is neutral: what it expresses is attention, not hostility.

Against the English

KJV and YLT have 'mark'. BSB, ESV and NIV have 'watch out for', NASB 'keep your eye on', WEB 'look out for'. All are accurate in their own English. In 1611 'mark' meant 'take note of, observe' (as in 'mark my words' or 'Mark the perfect man', Ps 37:37 KJV).

How it drifted

In modern English 'mark' usually means putting a mark on something: labelling, branding, singling out. So 'mark them' is often heard as 'publicly identify and label them', which the Greek does not say.

Used elsewhere in the period

Paul uses the same verb positively in Phil 3:17: 'keep your eyes on (skopeite) those who walk according to the example you have in us.' Also 2 Cor 4:18 ('we look not at the things seen') and Gal 6:1 ('looking to yourself, lest you also be tempted'). In classical and Hellenistic Greek it is the ordinary word for observing or considering (BDAG).