γρηγορέω
grēgoreō
to keep watch
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word γρηγορέω, transliterated as grēgoreō, conveys the concept of being vigilant or keeping watch. In its essence, this verb is concerned with maintaining awareness or attention, essentially being "on the lookout" for something. With 23 occurrences in the Bible, the frequency of its usage suggests it's a significant concept in the biblical narrative. The word grēgoreō transcends literal watchkeeping and extends into the realm of spiritual awareness. Its usage often implies being mindful of one's surroundings, whether physically or metaphysically, and being prepared to respond accordingly. This sense of watchfulness is not merely a passive state, but rather an active and engaged stance that requires effort and attention. The significance of grēgoreō lies in its emphasis on being prepared and attentive, rather than complacent or distracted. This mindset is crucial for navigating life's challenges and is often closely tied to biblical themes of spiritual vigilance, faithfulness, and preparedness. By examining the various contexts in which grēgoreō is used, we gain insight into the importance of being vigilant and mindful in our daily lives.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
23 total occurrences across the text
Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes.
Matthew 24:43But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
Matthew 25:13Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Matthew 26:38Then he said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch with me.”
Matthew 26:40He came to the disciples, and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour?
Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Mark 13:34“It is like a man, traveling to another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch.
Mark 13:35Watch therefore, for you don’t know when the lord of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning;
Mark 13:37What I tell you, I tell all: Watch.”
Mark 14:34He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch.”
Mark 14:37He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you watch one hour?
Mark 14:38Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Luke 12:37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you that he will dress himself, make them recline, and will come and serve them.
Luke 12:39But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not allowed his house to be broken into.
Acts 20:31Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.
1 Corinthians 16:13Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
Colossians 4:2Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving,
1 Thessalonians 5:6so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:10who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
1 Peter 5:8Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Revelation 3:2Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God.
Revelation 3:3Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If therefore you won’t watch, I will come as a thief, and you won’t know what hour I will come upon you.
Revelation 16:15“Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his clothes, so that he doesn’t walk naked, and they see his shame.”