from παρατηρέω; inspection, i.e. ocular evidence:--obervation.
Transliteration:paratḗrēsis
Pronunciation:par-at-ay'-ray-sis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun paratḗrēsis (`{{G3907}}`) is derived from the verb paratēreō (`{{G3906}}`), which signifies "to watch closely," "to observe attentively," or "to inspect." As a noun, paratḗrēsis therefore denotes the act of careful, often scrutinizing, observation or inspection. The base definition "inspection, i.e., ocular evidence" highlights the empirical, visual nature of this observation. It implies a deliberate and often intense scrutiny, not merely a casual glance, but a focused watching with an intent to discern, verify, or discover something. The term carries a nuance of seeking tangible, observable proof or a discernible pattern.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word paratḗrēsis (`{{G3907}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in a highly significant passage: [[Luke 17:20]].
The context involves the Pharisees questioning Jesus about the arrival of the Kingdom of God: "Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, 'The kingdom of God does not come with observation (μετὰ παρατηρήσεως).'"
Here, paratḗrēsis refers to a manner of coming that would be subject to human scrutiny, visible signs, or empirical detection. The Pharisees, steeped in expectations of a political or outwardly spectacular messianic kingdom, were looking for an observable event or a series of signs that could be precisely timed or witnessed. Jesus' response directly counters this expectation, asserting that the Kingdom of God does not manifest in a way that allows for such meticulous human observation or calculation. It does not arrive with outward pomp, discernible stages, or a display that can be critically inspected by human eyes.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **paratēreō (`{{G3906}}`):** The verbal root of paratḗrēsis. This verb is frequently used in the Gospels to describe the actions of Jesus' adversaries, particularly the Pharisees and scribes, who would "watch Him closely" or "lie in wait" for Him (e.g., [[Mark 3:2]], [[Luke 6:7]], [[Luke 14:1]], [[Luke 20:20]]). Their paratēreō was often hostile, aimed at finding fault or trapping Him in His words. This connection imbues paratḗrēsis with a potential nuance of critical, even suspicious, observation.
* **sēmeion (`{{G4592}}`, sign):** The Pharisees often demanded "signs" from Jesus as proof of His authority or the coming of the Kingdom (e.g., [[Matthew 12:38]], [[Matthew 16:1]]). While paratḗrēsis refers to the *act* of observation, the "signs" were the *objects* they wished to observe. Jesus' statement in [[Luke 17:20]] implies that the Kingdom's coming is not a "sign" in the way they expected—an external event to be critically observed and thereby predicted.
* **basileia tou theou (kingdom of God):** This is the central theological concept being described. Jesus' use of paratḗrēsis fundamentally redefines the nature of the Kingdom, shifting understanding from an external, observable political or eschatological event to a present, spiritual reality.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of paratḗrēsis in [[Luke 17:20]] holds profound theological implications for understanding the Kingdom of God:
* **Beyond Empirical Observation:** Jesus' declaration challenges the human tendency to seek tangible, observable evidence for spiritual realities. The Kingdom of God is not a phenomenon that can be measured, timed, or predicted through human "inspection" or "ocular evidence." This implies that its advent and presence are not contingent upon human perception or calculation.
* **Internal and Spiritual Nature:** By denying that the Kingdom comes "with observation," Jesus redirects attention from external signs to an internal, spiritual reality. He immediately follows this by stating, "Nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you [or 'among you']" [[Luke 17:21]]. This signifies that the Kingdom's presence is not primarily a matter of outward spectacle or political revolution, but of God's sovereign rule within the hearts of believers and among His gathered people.
* **Faith Over Sight:** The Kingdom's presence requires spiritual discernment and faith rather than physical sight or empirical verification. It cannot be "observed" in the way one observes a natural phenomenon or a military campaign. This underscores that God's work often transcends human categories of perception and expectation.
* **Critique of Human Expectation:** The term subtly critiques the Pharisees' mindset, which sought to impose human-centric, observable parameters on God's divine activity. Their desire for a Kingdom that comes "with observation" reveals a lack of spiritual understanding and a reliance on external, predictable manifestations rather than a humble submission to God's often unseen and surprising work.
### Summary
The Greek word paratḗrēsis (`{{G3907}}`) denotes a close, scrutinizing observation or inspection, implying a search for ocular evidence. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 17:20]] is foundational to understanding the nature of the Kingdom of God. Jesus' declaration that the Kingdom does not come "with observation" directly refutes the expectation of a kingdom arriving through visible, empirically verifiable signs or events. This challenges a worldly, external understanding of God's reign, emphasizing instead its spiritual, internal, and often unseen nature. The Kingdom's presence is not a phenomenon for human paratḗrēsis to detect or control, but is discerned by faith, manifesting as God's sovereign rule "within you" or "among you" [[Luke 17:21]]. The term thus profoundly critiques the human tendency to seek tangible proof for divine realities, redirecting focus to God's sovereign and often hidden working.
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