θεωρέω (theōreō)
theōreō
to see/experience
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 56 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb theōreō describes a deliberate, attentive act of seeing — to gaze at or behold something with focused interest. Unlike casual observation, it implies a spectator’s intent, whether looking at physical events or discerning spiritual truths. In the Gospels and Acts, it appears when people watch Jesus perform miracles (Mark 5:15) or when observers survey the consequences of his ministry (Luke 23:48). The word carries weight because it suggests engagement rather than passive sight.
Its root connects to theōros, a spectator sent to witness sacred games or festivals. This background gives the verb a sense of reverence and significance. In John’s Gospel, Jesus uses it to promise that believers will “see” divine realities — such as God’s glory (John 17:24) or the truth of his mission (John 6:40). Translators often render it simply as “see,” but the Greek implies a deeper perception, one that acknowledges what is being witnessed.
Notably, theōreō sometimes shifts from physical sight to experiential knowledge. In John 8:51, Jesus says those who keep his word will never “taste” (theōreō) death — using the verb metaphorically for experiencing a reality. This flexibility shows how the New Testament blends literal observation with spiritual insight, inviting readers to consider both what they see and what it means.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word theōreō invites us into a posture of attentive engagement rather than casual glance. It describes someone who stops to truly behold what is before them, whether it is a physical miracle or a spiritual truth. This kind of seeing requires focus and intention, asking us to look beyond surface appearances to understand the deeper reality at work.
In our daily lives, this concept challenges us to slow down and observe God’s presence with reverence. When we approach Scripture or moments of crisis with this focused attention, we open ourselves to insights that might otherwise pass unnoticed. It is an invitation to witness with the heart, allowing what we see to shape our understanding of faith and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 56 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you see4×
- you do behold3×
- beholding3×
- to see.2×
- they see2×
- she sees2×
- seeing2×
- see2×
- looking on2×
- he beholds2×
- having seen2×
- You see2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θεωρεῖ8×
- θεωρεῖτέ5×
- θεωρεῖτε5×
- ἐθεώρουν3×
- θεωρῶν3×
- θεωρῶ3×
- θεωροῦσιν3×
- θεωροῦντες3×
- θεωροῦσαι2×
- θεωρεῖν.2×
- ἐθεώρουν,1×
- ἐθεώρησαν1×
Key Verses
-
John 6:40
This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Jesus connects seeing the Son with believing in him for eternal life, showing that true spiritual sight leads to trust.
-
Mark 5:15
They came to Jesus, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid.
The crowd sees the formerly demon-possessed man restored, illustrating how divine power transforms lives visibly.
-
John 8:51
Most certainly, I tell you, if a person keeps my word, he will never see death.”
Jesus uses this word metaphorically to promise that keeping his word prevents one from ever experiencing death.