The Greek word diatēréō, represented by G1301, means to keep. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The word's definition, "to watch thoroughly," suggests a dual application: positively, to observe something strictly, and reflexively, to wholly avoid something.
The two uses of G1301 illustrate its distinct meanings. In a positive sense, after finding the young Jesus in the temple, his mother kept all these sayings in her heart Luke 2:51. This implies a careful, meditative treasuring of events and words. In a reflexive and negative sense, the Jerusalem Council advised Gentile believers to keep themselves from things like fornication and meat offered to idols, a command for strict avoidance and separation Acts 15:29.
Several related words help clarify the context in which G1301 is used:
- G4487 rhēma (an utterance... a matter or topic): This specifies what Mary kept in her heart—the sayings and events related to Jesus Luke 2:51. It is the object of strict observation.
- G5293 hypotássō (to subordinate; reflexively, to obey): This describes the context in which Mary was keeping these sayings, as Jesus was subject unto his parents, highlighting a setting of divine order Luke 2:51.
- G4202 porneía (harlotry... fornication): This is a primary example of what believers are to keep themselves from, representing the moral and spiritual impurities to be wholly avoided Acts 15:29.
Despite its infrequent use, G1301 carries significant theological weight in its contexts.
- Treasuring Divine Revelation: Mary's example of keeping these sayings demonstrates the value of pondering and preserving God's words and works. It portrays an active, internal faith that observes and remembers divine action Luke 2:51.
- Practical Holiness: The command for believers to keep themselves from certain pagan practices establishes a principle of active separation for the sake of purity. It is a call to guard oneself from influences that are contrary to the will of God, such as fornication G4202, which the scriptures identify as a defiling work of the flesh Matthew 15:19.
In summary, G1301 is a precise term that encapsulates two crucial aspects of the Christian walk. It is not merely about passive possession but about active engagement. It defines the need to both "observe strictly" the truths of God, as Mary did with the sayings about Jesus Luke 2:51, and to "avoid wholly" the corrupting influences of the world, as instructed by the apostles Acts 15:29.
TRV