Word Study for G4648 (σκοπέω)

skopéō /skop-eh'-o/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom σκοπός

Meaningto take aim at (spy), i.e. (figuratively) regard

KJV usageconsider, take heed, look at (on), mark. Compare ὀπτάνομαι.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of skopéō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word skopeō, represented by G4648, means to take aim at, consider, take heed, look at, or mark. It appears 8 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. The word implies more than a casual glance; it suggests a focused, intentional observation with a specific purpose in mind, whether for scrutiny, caution, or emulation.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical applications, G4648 is used to direct a believer's attention. It is a call to mark and identify those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to sound doctrine Romans 16:17. Conversely, believers are also instructed to mark those who provide a godly example to follow Philippians 3:17. The term is used to contrast perspectives, urging believers to look not at the temporary things which are seen, but at the eternal things which are unseen 2 Corinthians 4:18. It also serves as a command for self-examination, to be considering one's own vulnerability to temptation when restoring a brother Galatians 6:1 and to take heed that the spiritual light within does not become darkness Luke 11:35.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and application of skopeō:

G1370 dichostasía (disunion, dissension): This is the negative behavior believers are commanded to mark or watch out for within the church Romans 16:17.
G1322 didachḗ (instruction, doctrine): The standard against which people are to be marked is sound doctrine. One must carefully observe those who act contrary to the instruction they have received Romans 16:17.
G3985 peirázō (to test, entice, tempt): While restoring a fallen brother, one must consider their own self, being mindful of the potential to also be tempted Galatians 6:1.
G2087 héteros (other or different): Believers are instructed to look not only on their own interests, but also on the things of others, shifting focus from self to the community Philippians 2:4.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4648 is significant, highlighting the need for active spiritual vigilance.

Doctrinal Purity: The command to mark those causing divisions establishes a principle of guarding the health of the church. It requires believers to be discerning and to protect the community from influences that contradict the doctrine they have learned Romans 16:17.
Eternal Perspective: By instructing believers to look at the unseen, the word calls for a life oriented around faith in eternal realities rather than the temporal, visible world. This focus shapes values and priorities 2 Corinthians 4:18.
Self-Examination: The act of considering oneself in Galatians 6:1 ties careful observation to personal humility and an awareness of one's own weaknesses, which is essential when addressing sin in others.
Community Care: The instruction to look on the things of others is a foundational concept of Christian community, demanding a deliberate shift in attention from selfish concerns to the needs of fellow believers Philippians 2:4.

Summary

In summary, G4648 skopeō is not about passive seeing but about active, purposeful looking. It is a critical verb for the Christian life, commanding an intentional focus. This focus is directed outward to identify and avoid spiritual danger, outward to care for others, inward for self-awareness and humility, and upward toward the eternal promises of God. It defines a vigilant and considerate posture necessary for both personal sanctification and corporate health.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 6 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
Present Active Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
Present Active Infinitive 1×
Present Active Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Infinitive: The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 6 verses across 5 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Philippians (2 verses); never once in the other 22.

Luke

Romans

2 Corinthians

Galatians

Philippians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.