### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun τήρησις (tḗrēsis, `{{G5084}}`) is derived directly from the verb τηρέω (tēreō, `{{G5083}}`), which carries the fundamental meaning "to guard," "to watch over," "to keep," "to preserve," or "to observe." Consequently, τήρησις inherits a rich semantic range, reflecting both the abstract action and concrete result of this "keeping."
Its primary abstract sense denotes "observance," "keeping," or "adherence." This refers to the act of carefully following or preserving something, such as laws, commands, or traditions. It implies a diligent and conscientious commitment to a prescribed standard or duty.
In a distinct yet related concrete sense, τήρησις can also refer to a "place of keeping" or "custody," specifically a "prison" or "detention." Here, the idea of "guarding" or "holding" is applied to individuals who are confined. This duality highlights the versatility of the root concept: from the active keeping of a principle to the passive state of being kept or held.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word τήρησις appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its dual semantic range:
1. **Custody/Prison:**
* In [[Acts 4:3]], after Peter and John heal the lame man and preach the resurrection of Jesus, the temple authorities "laid hands on them and put them in custody [τήρησιν] until the next day." Here, τήρησις clearly denotes a place of detention or imprisonment, a temporary holding facility. The context is one of opposition and restraint against the burgeoning Christian movement.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 5:18]], following further miraculous signs and wonders performed by the apostles, the high priest and his associates "laid hands on the apostles and put them in public custody [τήρησιν]." Again, the term signifies a physical place of confinement, emphasizing the authorities' attempt to control and suppress the apostles' ministry. In both instances from Acts, τήρησις underscores the persecution faced by the early church, where the message of the gospel led to the apostles being "kept" by human powers.
2. **Observance/Keeping:**
* In [[1 Corinthians 7:19]], Paul declares, "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping [τήρησις] of the commandments of God is what matters." Here, τήρησις unequivocally refers to the active and diligent observance, adherence, or obedience to God's divine commands. In the broader context of Paul's discussion on Christian liberty and the irrelevance of external religious markers, he elevates the internal, active obedience to God's will as the true mark of faith and spiritual maturity. This usage highlights the spiritual and ethical dimension of "keeping."
The distinct contexts of these occurrences demonstrate that the meaning of τήρησις is entirely determined by its immediate environment, oscillating between physical confinement and spiritual obedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verb from which τήρησις is derived: τηρέω (tēreō, `{{G5083}}`). This verb is extensively used throughout the New Testament, meaning "to keep," "to guard," "to observe," "to preserve," or "to obey." For instance, Jesus commands His disciples to "keep" (τηρέω) His word ([[John 14:23]]), and believers are exhorted to "keep" (τηρέω) themselves from the world's defilement ([[James 1:27]]). The noun τήρησις encapsulates the action or state implied by this foundational verb.
Other conceptually related words include:
* For "custody" or "prison": φυλακή (phylakē, `{{G5438}}`), which can mean a guard, a watch, or a prison (e.g., [[Acts 12:4]]). δεσμός (desmos, `{{G1203}}`), referring to bonds or chains, and by extension, imprisonment.
* For "observance" or "obedience": ὑπακοή (hypakoē, `{{G5218}}`), meaning obedience or submission (e.g., [[Romans 6:16]]). The concept of "doing" or "performing" commandments is often conveyed by verbs like ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`). The "law" itself (νόμος, nomos, `{{G3551}}`) is the object of such observance.
The dual nature of τήρησις thus connects it to both the realities of suffering and persecution for the faith, and the core ethical demands of discipleship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of τήρησις is profound, embodying a tension central to the Christian life: the call to active obedience and the reality of passive suffering.
In its sense of "observance" ([[1 Corinthians 7:19]]), τήρησις underscores the New Testament emphasis on genuine, heartfelt obedience to God's commandments. Paul's declaration that "the keeping of the commandments of God is what matters" elevates ethical conduct and faithful living above mere external rituals or ethnic identity. This is not a legalistic adherence but a response of love and faith to God's gracious call. It speaks to the transformative power of the gospel, which produces a life characterized by conformity to Christ's teachings, rather than superficial religious practices. True discipleship involves a diligent "keeping" of God's revealed will, reflecting an inner disposition of submission and devotion.
In its sense of "custody" or "imprisonment" ([[Acts 4:3]], [[Acts 5:18]]), τήρησις highlights the inevitable conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. The apostles, in their faithful proclamation of the gospel, encountered opposition that led to their physical detention. This serves as a reminder that faithfulness to Christ can, and often does, lead to suffering, persecution, and confinement. Yet, even in such circumstances, God's sovereignty is evident; the "keeping" of the apostles by human authorities ultimately could not thwart the divine purpose, as they were miraculously released or continued to bear witness even from prison. This aspect of the word speaks to the cost of discipleship and the unwavering commitment required when faced with human attempts to suppress divine truth.
Thus, τήρησις encapsulates both the active "keeping" of God's way as a spiritual discipline and the passive "being kept" in custody as a consequence of that very faithfulness.
### Summary
The Greek word τήρησις (tḗrēsis, `{{G5084}}`), derived from τηρέω (tēreō, `{{G5083}}`), possesses a striking dual meaning in the New Testament. It refers both to the active "observance" or "keeping" of God's commandments, as seen in [[1 Corinthians 7:19]], where it signifies the profound importance of obedience in Christian life. Simultaneously, it denotes "custody" or "imprisonment," as evidenced in [[Acts 4:3]] and [[Acts 5:18]], reflecting the physical detention experienced by the apostles due to their faithful witness. This semantic range illustrates a core tension in Christian experience: the call to diligently "keep" God's will often leads to being "kept" or confined by a hostile world. Ultimately, τήρησις reminds believers of the central role of active obedience to God and the potential cost of such faithfulness in a fallen world, all under the sovereign hand of God.
TRV