Perfect Preservation: συντηρέω (Strong’s G4933: suntereo) Safeguards Divine Truth

Strong’s G4933: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and τηρέω (to keep), συντηρέω expresses careful preservation or protection. In the New Testament, it describes both physical preservation of objects and spiritual treasuring of divine truths, particularly in Mary’s pondering of events concerning Jesus.

U – Unveiling the Word

συντηρέω (suntereo) represents thorough preservation and careful guarding of something valuable. This compound word emphasizes complete and continual preservation. In the New Testament, it appears in both practical contexts (preserving wine in wineskins) and spiritual contexts (Mary preserving memories and revelations in her heart). Early church writers used this term to describe both the preservation of sacred teachings and the spiritual discipline of treasuring divine truth. Today, it reminds us of the importance of both practical stewardship and spiritual reflection.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: συντηρέω, suntereo, /sün-tay-reh’-ō/
• Pronunciation Guide: soon-tay-REH-oh (where ‘eh’ sounds like in “bed”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σύν (syn) – prefix meaning “with, thoroughly”
• τηρέω (tereō) – verb meaning “to keep, guard”
• The combination emphasizes complete preservation

D – Defining Meanings

• To preserve carefully
• To keep safe together
• To maintain thoroughly

For compound words:
The prefix σύν adds thoroughness to τηρέω’s meaning of keeping, creating a word expressing complete preservation or protection.

Translation Options:

• “to preserve completely” – emphasizes thorough protection
• “to keep safe carefully” – highlights watchful guardianship
• “to treasure together” – stresses collective preservation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τηρέω (tereō) /tay-reh’-ō/ – to keep, guard
  See G5083
• διατηρέω (diatereō) /dee-at-ay-reh’-ō/ – to keep through
  See G1301
• φυλάσσω (phylassō) /foo-las’-so/ – to guard
  See G5442

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

Examples:

• συντηρεῖ (preserves)
• συνετήρει (was preserving)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and spiritual preservation. Thayer’s notes its use in careful keeping. LSJ provides examples of maintenance and protection. Vine’s connects it to treasuring truth. Strong’s highlights the completeness implied by the συν- prefix. LEH and Moulton and Milligan note its use in both practical and spiritual contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 9:17: “Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine runs out, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved [συντηρέω] together.”

Additional References:
Mark 6:20
Luke 2:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

συντηρέω beautifully illustrates how we should treasure both practical and spiritual gifts from God. This word proclaims the good news that as we carefully preserve His truth in our hearts, like Mary did, we participate in safeguarding and sharing His revelation. It reminds us that spiritual preservation requires both faithful stewardship and thoughtful reflection.

D – Did You Know?

1. συντηρέω appears in both practical preservation contexts and spiritual meditation
2. It’s used to describe Mary’s profound contemplation of divine mysteries
3. The word influenced early Christian practices of scripture memorization

Strong’s G4933: A compound verb combining σύν (with) and τηρέω (to keep), συντηρέω expresses careful preservation or protection. In the New Testament, it describes both physical preservation of objects and spiritual treasuring of divine truths, particularly in Mary’s pondering of events concerning Jesus.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: preservation, protection, stewardship, meditation, Mary, divine truth, wisdom, compound words, Greek verbs, spiritual discipline, practical care​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​