συντηρέω (suntēreō)
suntēreō
to preserve
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb suntēreō means to preserve or keep safe, carrying a sense of holding something securely so it is not lost or forgotten. It appears only four times in the New Testament, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels, where it describes both physical protection and mental retention.
Its meaning shifts slightly depending on what is being kept. In Mark 6:20, King Herod preserves John the Baptist’s words, keeping them safe from harm or dismissal. In Matthew 9:17, new wine is preserved in fresh wineskins, highlighting physical safeguarding against destruction. Luke 2:19 shows Mary preserving events in her heart, illustrating a deep, internal keeping of memory.
The word combines the prefix syn- (together) with tēreō (to keep), suggesting a careful, active guarding. It is not passive storage but an intentional act of preservation, whether for a person, a message, or a memory.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word suntēreō carries the quiet strength of holding something precious close. It is not merely storage, but an active guarding against loss or decay. In our daily lives, we often face pressures that threaten to spoil what matters most—our faith, our memories, or our peace. This verb reminds us that preservation requires intentionality and care.
Scripture shows us different facets of this keeping. Mary pondered events in her heart, preserving truth through reflection. Jesus used the image of wineskins to show how new life needs proper containers to remain intact. Even Herod’s reluctant respect for John illustrates how some truths are held onto, even when uncomfortable. We are invited to practice this same careful stewardship over what God has placed in our lives.
This word encourages us that nothing truly precious is left to chance. Whether it is a promise, a memory, or a person, God’s preserving power works through our attentive hearts. Let us trust that what we hold dear in Him will be kept safe, not by our own strength alone, but by His faithful care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- are preserved.2×
- was treasuring up1×
- he was keeping safe1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συνετήρει2×
- συντηροῦνται.¶1×
- συντηροῦνται.1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:19
But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.
Mary’s act of pondering demonstrates how internal reflection serves as a vital method for preserving spiritual truth within the heart.
-
Matthew 9:17
Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”
The metaphor of fresh wineskins illustrates that preservation requires appropriate conditions to prevent the destruction of new life.
-
Mark 6:20
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly.
Herod’s decision to keep John safe, despite his fear, shows how even reluctant adherence can result in physical preservation of a righteous person.