The meaning of “τηρέω”
Understanding tēréō reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
hold fast, keep(- er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch. - perhaps akin to θεωρέω) - to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by ...
τηρέω
hold fast, keep(- er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch. - perhaps akin to θεωρέω) - to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon - and thus differing from φυλάσσω, which is properly to prevent escaping - and from κουστωδία, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy - figuratively, to fulfil a command) - by implication, to detain (in custody - figuratively, to maintain) - by extension, to withhold (for personal ends - figuratively, to keep unmarried) - by extension, to withhold (for personal ends - figuratively, to keep unmarried)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 27:54 | “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.” Word: τηρέω (tēréō) | |
| Acts 16:23 | “And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:” Word: τηρέω (tēréō) | |
| Ephesians 4:3 | “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Word: τηρέω (tēréō) | |
| 2 Timothy 4:7 | “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” Word: τηρέω (tēréō) | |
| 2 Peter 2:17 | “These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.” Word: τηρέω (tēréō) |