from διά and τηρέω; to watch thoroughly, i.e. (positively and transitively) to observe strictly, or (negatively and reflexively) to avoid wholly:--keep.
Transliteration:diatēréō
Pronunciation:dee-at-ay-reh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διατηρέω (diatēréō, `{{G1301}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition διά (dia, "through, across, by means of") and the verb τηρέω (tēréō, `{{G5083}}`, "to keep, guard, observe"). The prefix διά intensifies the meaning of τηρέω, conveying a sense of thoroughness, completeness, or persistence.
Its core meaning encompasses two primary semantic ranges:
1. **Positive and Transitive:** To "watch thoroughly," "observe strictly," "preserve carefully," or "guard completely." This implies a diligent and comprehensive act of keeping or maintaining something.
2. **Negative and Reflexive:** To "avoid wholly," "keep oneself from," or "abstain entirely." In this sense, the thoroughness applies to the act of separation or avoidance.
The rarity of this specific compound in the New Testament makes its few occurrences particularly significant, highlighting a deliberate and intense form of "keeping."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
διατηρέω (diatēréō, `{{G1301}}`) appears in the New Testament in two notable contexts, each illustrating one of its primary semantic ranges:
* **[[Luke 2:19]]**: "But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." Here, the word is used in its positive and transitive sense. Mary did not merely remember the events surrounding Jesus' birth; she διατηρέω them. This implies a profound act of internal preservation, a careful guarding and cherishing of the divine revelations and experiences. It suggests not just mental recollection, but a deep, ongoing contemplation and integration of these truths into her understanding and spiritual life. The thoroughness implied by διατηρέω indicates that she held these things securely within her, allowing them to shape her perspective.
* **[[Acts 15:29]]**: "that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well." This verse, from the Jerusalem Council's decree, exemplifies the negative and reflexive sense of διατηρέω. The imperative is to "keep yourselves wholly from" or "thoroughly avoid" certain practices. The use of διατηρέω here emphasizes a complete and unwavering separation from these specific behaviors, which were deemed essential for the unity and purity of the early Christian community, particularly between Jewish and Gentile believers. It is a call for a decisive and comprehensive avoidance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of διατηρέω (diatēréō, `{{G1301}}`) is best understood in relation to its root and other similar verbs of preservation and guarding:
* **τηρέω (tēréō, `{{G5083}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to keep, guard, observe, preserve." While τηρέω often implies careful observance (e.g., keeping commands), διατηρέω adds a layer of intensity, thoroughness, or persistence. It is not just keeping, but keeping *throughout* or *completely*.
* **φυλάσσω (phylassō, `{{G5442}}`)**: "To guard, protect, keep watch." This word often has a more overt sense of physical protection or vigilance against external threats. While διατηρέω can imply guarding, its emphasis leans more towards internal preservation or thorough adherence/avoidance.
* **σῴζω (sōzō, `{{G4982}}`)**: "To save, preserve, deliver." This verb focuses on bringing to safety or making whole, often with an emphasis on rescue from danger or destruction. While διατηρέω involves preservation, it doesn't carry the same salvific connotation as σῴζω.
* **τηρέω** and **διατηρέω** both speak to a deliberate act of maintaining something or abstaining from something. The δια- prefix in διατηρέω elevates this act from simple observance to a more profound, comprehensive, and unwavering commitment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διατηρέω (diatēréō, `{{G1301}}`) lies in its emphasis on diligent and thorough engagement with divine truth and ethical purity.
1. **Stewardship of Revelation ([[Luke 2:19]])**: Mary's διατηρέω of the events surrounding Jesus' birth illustrates a profound spiritual discipline. It is not passive reception but active, internal preservation of God's work and word. This signifies the importance of meditating on, internalizing, and cherishing divine revelation, allowing it to deeply shape one's understanding and faith. It speaks to a heart that treasures God's mysteries and actively guards them against superficiality or forgetfulness. This is a model for how believers are to handle the truths of God's kingdom.
2. **Ethical Purity and Unity ([[Acts 15:29]])**: The command to διατηρέω from certain practices underscores the necessity of a complete and intentional separation from anything that could compromise spiritual integrity or hinder fellowship within the Body of Christ. This is not merely about external compliance but about a thorough commitment to ethical standards that reflect the new covenant. It highlights the church's responsibility to discern and avoid practices that are detrimental to its witness and internal harmony, emphasizing the seriousness of maintaining purity for the sake of the Gospel.
In both contexts, διατηρέω speaks to a call for intentionality, diligence, and a comprehensive approach to either preserving truth or abstaining from error. It implies a deep spiritual engagement that goes beyond superficial adherence, demanding a thorough commitment of the heart and will.
### Summary
διατηρέω (diatēréō, `{{G1301}}`) is a powerful Greek verb that intensifies the concept of "keeping." Formed from διά (through, completely) and τηρέω (to keep, guard), it signifies a thorough, complete, or persistent act of either preserving something or wholly avoiding something. Its two primary New Testament occurrences vividly illustrate these nuances. In [[Luke 2:19]], Mary's διατηρέω of divine revelations speaks to a profound internalizing and cherishing of God's truth. In [[Acts 15:29]], the command to διατηρέω from certain practices emphasizes a complete and decisive abstinence for the sake of ethical purity and communal harmony. Though rare, διατηρέω thus conveys a significant theological message: a call to diligent stewardship of spiritual truths and a thorough commitment to ethical separation, both demanding an unwavering and comprehensive engagement of the believer's heart and will.
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