from διά and τηρέω; to watch thoroughly, i.e. (positively and transitively) to observe strictly, or (negatively and reflexively) to avoid wholly:--keep.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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