προσέχω (prosechō)
prosechō
to watch out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 24 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prosechō literally describes bringing a ship to land or holding fast to a place, but in Scripture it consistently turns this physical image inward toward the mind. It means to pay close attention, to fix one’s thoughts on something, or to remain vigilant against danger. The word appears twenty-four times across the New Testament, often marking moments where spiritual focus is critical.
Its usage ranges from careful observation to devoted commitment. In Acts 16:14, Lydia listens intently to Paul, her heart opened by God’s direct attention. Conversely, Jesus warns his followers to take heed lest their hearts be weighed down in Luke 21:34, using the term for a cautious, protective vigilance. It also describes holding fast to sound teaching, as seen when Timothy is urged to devote himself to public reading and instruction in 1 Timothy 4:13.
What makes this word distinctive is its blend of alertness and attachment. It is not passive listening but an active gripping of the mind. Whether warning against false teachers in Matthew 7:15 or encouraging believers to remember the prophetic word in 2 Peter 1:19, prosechō calls for a steady, unwavering focus that shapes how one lives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word προσέχω (prosechō) invites us into a posture of active, attentive care. It is not merely hearing with ears but fixing the mind on what matters most. In daily life, this means guarding our focus against distractions that pull us away from God’s truth. When we pay close attention to Scripture and prayer, we anchor ourselves in stability.
This vigilance protects the heart. Jesus warns us to beware of hypocrisy and worldly cares that weigh us down (Luke 21:34). Yet it also opens hearts like Lydia’s, who listened intently to Paul because God opened her mind (Acts 16:14). By choosing where to place our attention, we shape our spiritual growth. This word calls us to steady devotion rather than passive listening.
May you find peace in knowing that God invites you to rest in His truth. As you focus on His promises, your heart grows stronger and more hopeful each day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 24 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do beware6×
- do take heed5×
- to give heed2×
- giving heed2×
- were giving heed1×
- to beware1×
- to attend1×
- taking heed1×
- has served1×
- do give heed1×
- being given,1×
- Were giving heed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσέχετε7×
- προσέχειν4×
- Προσέχετε4×
- προσέχοντες3×
- προσεῖχον3×
- πρόσεχε1×
- προσέχοντας,1×
- προσέσχηκεν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 21:34
“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.
Jesus uses this word to warn believers against letting worldly anxieties dull their spiritual alertness.
-
Acts 16:14
A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us. The Lord opened her heart to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul.
Lydia’s heart is opened by God, showing how divine grace enables attentive listening to the gospel.
-
Hebrews 2:1
Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away.
The author urges readers to pay close attention to what they have heard to avoid drifting from faith.
-
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Jesus commands vigilance against false prophets who disguise harmful teachings with outward righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word prosechō mean?
How is prosechō different from simply hearing?
Where does this word appear in the New Testament?
Why is paying attention important in Christian life?
Every Occurrence (24 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 6 verses
“Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from…
Matthew 7:15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Matthew 10:17But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
Matthew 16:6Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Matthew 16:11How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees…
Matthew 16:12Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and…