διατηρέω

I keep safe, hold fast

Definition

διατηρέω means to keep something carefully, preserve it, or hold it securely over time. In Luke 2:51, it describes Mary treasuring and keeping safe the events of Jesus' childhood in her heart, implying a deep, personal, and ongoing remembrance. In Acts 15:29, it refers to the early church carefully observing and adhering to specific abstentions (from idol food, blood, strangled animals, and sexual immorality) as a matter of obedience and communal unity. The core idea combines attentive preservation with faithful observance.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only twice in the New Testament, but in two distinct contexts that illustrate its range. In Luke 2:51, it is used in a personal, relational context of internal reflection and memory. In Acts 15:29, it is used in a formal, communal context of obeying a binding apostolic decree. Both uses imply a deliberate and sustained action over time.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning 'through' or 'thoroughly,' combined with τηρέω (tēreō, G5083), meaning 'to keep, guard, or observe.' The compound form intensifies the root meaning, emphasizing careful, thorough, or continuous keeping. It shares a root with words like φυλάσσω (phylassō, G5442), but with a nuance of preservation through observance.

Semantic Range

This word highlights important themes of faithful stewardship and continuity in the Christian life. In Luke 2:51, it connects to the theme of divine revelation being preserved in human experience, as Mary guards the mystery of the Incarnate Son. In Acts 15:29, it underscores the early church's practical effort to preserve unity between Jewish and Gentile believers by mutually observing foundational ethical boundaries, linking obedience to communal peace.

In a Greco-Roman context, the idea of 'keeping' decrees or traditions was central to social and religious identity. The use in Acts 15:29 reflects a cultural expectation to formally and publicly adhere to communal rulings. Mary's 'keeping' in her heart (Luke 2:51) aligns with ancient Mediterranean values of internalizing significant family events and pondering their meaning.

τηρέω (tēreō, G5083) — the simpler root, meaning 'to keep or guard,' without the intensive 'through' prefix. φυλάσσω (phylassō, G5442) — often 'to guard' in a protective, defensive sense, like a sentry. παρατηρέω (paratēreō, G3906) — 'to watch closely, observe' sometimes with a sense of scrutiny or hostility.

Word Details

Scripture References