συντηρέω

I preserve, keep safe, keep in mind

Definition

The verb συντηρέω means to preserve, keep safe, or guard carefully. It carries the sense of protecting something from harm or loss, as seen in the preservation of new wine in fresh wineskins (Matthew 9:17, Luke 5:38). It also means to keep something in mind or to treasure it mentally, such as Mary treasuring and pondering the events surrounding Jesus' birth in her heart (Luke 2:19). In Mark 6:20, Herod 'kept safe' or 'protected' John the Baptist, indicating a sense of guarded custody. Thus, the word spans both physical safeguarding and internal, thoughtful retention.

Biblical Usage

Συντηρέω is used four times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It describes the physical preservation of objects (wineskins in Matthew 9:17 and Luke 5:38), the mental treasuring of events (Mary in Luke 2:19), and the protective custody of a person (Herod protecting John in Mark 6:20). Its usage shows a pattern of careful, intentional keeping, whether of material things, memories, or individuals.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' and the verb τηρέω (tēreō, G5083), meaning 'to keep, guard, or observe.' The compound suggests an intensive or thorough keeping—keeping something together, intact, or in a unified state. It emphasizes careful, attentive preservation.

Semantic Range

This word highlights important themes of divine and human stewardship. In the physical sense (wineskins), it illustrates the need for new forms to contain new spiritual realities, a metaphor for the new covenant. Mentally (Luke 2:19), it models reflective faith—treasuring and pondering God's revelations. Herod's conflicted 'keeping' of John (Mark 6:20) shows a tragic failure to truly preserve God's messenger. Understanding συντηρέω enriches reading by revealing nuances between external protection and internal, faithful remembrance.

In the ancient world, preserving wine in wineskins was a common, practical concern. New, fermenting wine required flexible, new skins; using old ones risked ruin (Matthew 9:17). This imagery would be immediately understood. The concept of 'keeping' or 'treasuring' in one's heart (Luke 2:19) reflects a Hebraic view of the heart as the center of thought and memory, not just emotion.

τηρέω (tēreō, G5083) — The root verb, a more general term for keeping, guarding, or observing. φυλάσσω (phylassō, G5442) — Often means to guard or protect from external threat, more focused on defense. διατηρέω (diatēreō, G1301) — Means to keep carefully or continually, with a sense of duration.

Word Details

Scripture References