Brief Overview of διατηρέω (G1301: diatēréō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διατηρέω (diatēréō) [dee-ah-tay-REH-oh]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, thoroughly and τηρέω (G5083: tēréō) meaning to keep, to guard, to observe. The compound form suggests a thorough or continuous act of guarding, preserving, or maintaining.
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To keep or preserve carefully: Refers to the act of maintaining or guarding something with careful attention, ensuring its safety or integrity.
• To observe or follow closely: Implies adhering to instructions, rules, or traditions with diligence and commitment.
• To continue in a state: Can also mean to sustain or maintain something in its existing state, preventing change or decay.

Further Insights

• Person: Third person
• Number: Singular
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative

Further Insights Explained:

• The word διατηρέω in this form is in the third person singular, present, active, indicative form. It can be translated as “he/she/it keeps carefully” or “he/she/it preserves.” The present tense indicates ongoing or habitual action, the active voice shows that the subject is performing the action, and the indicative mood reflects that it is a statement of fact.

Disclaimer: The morphological details provided above reflect the specific form of διατηρέω in its present, active, indicative form. The word’s usage and meaning may vary depending on context and sentence structure.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διατηρέω is defined as to keep, guard, or preserve carefully, with an emphasis on the thoroughness and diligence of the action. The term is often used to describe the careful maintenance of something valuable or important.
• Scripture References: Acts 15:29, Acts 16:4

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διατηρέω as meaning to preserve, keep, or maintain carefully. The emphasis is on the thorough and continuous nature of the action, suggesting that the object being kept is of significant value or importance.
• Scripture References: Acts 15:29, Acts 16:4

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s describes διατηρέω as to guard, preserve, or observe, particularly in the sense of maintaining something in its original state or adhering closely to instructions or traditions.
• Scripture References: Acts 15:29, Acts 16:4

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διατηρέω as to preserve, keep, or guard, especially with a focus on maintaining the integrity or condition of something over time. The term is used in various contexts to describe the careful maintenance of both tangible and intangible things.
• Scripture References: Acts 15:29, Acts 16:4

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διατηρέω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and τηρέω (G5083: tēréō), meaning to keep, preserve, or observe carefully. It is used to describe actions that involve the careful maintenance or guarding of something valuable.
• Scripture References: Acts 15:29, Acts 16:4

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Plato, Laws: Plato uses διατηρέω to describe the careful preservation of laws and traditions within a society, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these foundational elements over time.
• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotle employs the term to discuss the preservation of virtues, stressing the need for individuals to guard and maintain their moral character with diligence.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διατηρέω to describe the careful maintenance of alliances and agreements between city-states, highlighting the importance of preserving these relationships for stability and peace.

Summary

διατηρέω (G1301: diatēréō) is a Greek verb that primarily means to keep, guard, or preserve carefully. Derived from διά (through, thoroughly) and τηρέω (to keep, to guard), the term emphasizes the thorough and continuous nature of the action. In the New Testament, διατηρέω is used in contexts where careful maintenance or adherence is required, such as in Acts 15:29 and Acts 16:4, where it highlights the importance of observing and maintaining certain practices or instructions. The word is also prevalent in classical Greek literature, where it is used to describe the preservation of laws, virtues, and alliances, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these elements with diligence and care. Overall, διατηρέω highlights the concept of careful preservation and maintenance, making it a significant term for understanding the importance of guarding and maintaining valuable or important aspects of life in both ancient and biblical contexts.