Brief Overview of παρατήρησις (Strong’s G3907: paratērēsis)

Strong’s G3907: A compound noun derived from παρατηρέω, meaning “observation, careful watching.” In its sole New Testament occurrence (Luke 17:20), it describes how the kingdom of God does not come with observable signs. The term emphasizes visible manifestation or careful monitoring of phenomena.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρατήρησις embodies the concept of careful, systematic observation. In Luke 17:20, Jesus uses it to explain that God’s kingdom doesn’t come with observable signs that can be monitored or tracked. This single usage carries profound theological significance, contrasting human expectations of visible manifestations with the spiritual nature of God’s kingdom. Early church fathers often referenced this term when discussing the invisible yet real nature of spiritual transformation. Today, it reminds believers that God’s work often occurs beyond visible observation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρατήρησις, paratērēsis, /par-ah-tay-RAY-sis/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ah + tay + RAY (stressed) + sis
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, alongside
• τηρέω (tēreō): to watch, observe
• -σις (-sis): abstract noun suffix indicating action or process

D – Defining Meanings

• Careful observation
• Act of watching closely
• Observable manifestation

For compound words:
παρα- intensifies τηρέω’s meaning of watching, while -σις makes it an abstract noun describing the action, creating the concept of systematic observation

Translation Options:

• “Observable signs” – emphasizes visible manifestation
• “Careful watching” – highlights the process of observation
• “Outward observation” – stresses the external nature of watching

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σκοπία (skopia) /sko-PEE-ah/ – watchfulness, but more general
• ἐπιτήρησις (epitērēsis) /ep-ee-tay-RAY-sis/ – close watching, with emphasis on supervision
• θεωρία (theōria) /theh-oh-REE-ah/ – contemplation or spectacle

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παρατήρησις exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 3rd

Examples:
Singular: παρατήρησις (nom.), παρατηρήσεως (gen.)
Plural: παρατηρήσεις (nom.), παρατηρήσεων (gen.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to visible observation and monitoring. Thayer’s notes its use in contexts of careful watching. LSJ documents its usage in medical and astronomical contexts. Vine’s highlights its significance in Luke’s account regarding the kingdom of God. Moulton and Milligan note its technical use in scientific observation.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with [παρατήρησις] observation'” (Luke 17:20)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρατήρησις represents systematic observation or monitoring, particularly significant in its New Testament usage where it contrasts human expectations of visible signs with the spiritual nature of God’s kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was commonly used in ancient medical texts for diagnostic observation
• Its single New Testament usage occurs in a crucial teaching about the nature of God’s kingdom
• The word influenced early Christian discussions about spiritual discernment versus visible signs

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound noun derived from παρατηρέω, meaning “observation, careful watching.” In its sole New Testament occurrence (Luke 17:20), it describes how the kingdom of God does not come with observable signs. The term emphasizes visible manifestation or careful monitoring of phenomena.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #observation #kingdom_of_god #luke #visibility #signs #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #spirituality​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​