[Greek] ἀναθεωρέω (anatheōreō), [Latin] videre, [Latin] intueri, [German] sehen, [French] voir, [French] considerer, [French] contempler; to behold, to consider carefully, to look again, to examine; Acts 17:23, Heb.13:7
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to examine carefully. Diodorus Siculus’ Library 12.15 states “When the law for the protection of orphans was scrutinized more closely and examined with care, it indicates not only earnest study but also a high claim to regard.” Plato’s Apology 28b states “You do not speak well, Sir, if you think it is necessary for a man to consider danger of life or death. Rather, he should only consider whether he is doing things that are just or unjust.”
Epimenides was a 6th century seer, philosopher, and poet from Crete.
Carefully consider Epimenides’ statement below:
“All Cretans are liars”
–If all Cretans are liars, then Epimenides is a liar.
–Then the statement “All Cretans are liars” must be a lie.
–This must mean that all Cretans tell the truth.
–This must mean Epimenides is telling the truth.
–Then the statement “All Cretans are liars” is true and false. (Wow!..mind-blown) 🤯
New Testament: This term means to look carefully, observe, and to reflect upon. Paul looks carefully at the Athenian shrine and altar inscribed ‘To an Unknown God’. Paul appeals to the Athenians’ religiosity in unknowingly worshipping this God. This God is much larger, not requiring shrines (images) or nor human service. In Hebrews, the Jewish Christian are called to remember and consider their spiritual leaders and teachers who have died and suffered, yet triumphed in the cause of their faith. The Jewish Christians must strive to imitate and follow their example.
Scripture:
“For as I walked around looking carefully at your shrines, I even discovered and altar inscribed, ‘To an Unknown God.’ What therefore you unknowingly worship, I proclaim to you.” Acts 17:23
Paul was appealing to Athenians’ pagan religiosity. Paul points out that this unknown God does not require images nor human service.
“Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Heb.13:7
The Jewish Christians are called to reflect on and imitate the heroic virtue of their spiritual leaders and teachers who were faithful even until death.
Etymology: The prefix ana- means again and also signifies intensity. The Greek base verb theoreo means to view or to behold. The Latin verb videre also means to consider, having a much deeper sense than just seeing. The Latin verb video means I see. The French verb considerer, derived from the Latin verb considerare, literally means to observe the stars (sidera). The French verb contempler, derived from the Latin verb contemplare, literally means to mark out a space (temple) for observation.
Conclusion;
Video, see, voyeur, intuition, consider, consideration, contemplate, contemplation
Throughout history, this term consistently pertains to considering or reflecting upon important or serious matters. Plato’s quote pertains to how one should live one’s life (unjust or just).
Epimenides Paradox requires some thought.
Paul deeply reflects in appealing to the Athenians’ religiosity in their belief of the divine. Paul states that they unknowingly worship that Unknown God. The pagans also often built shrines and monuments to the unknown gods who caused calamities.
The Jewish Christians are called to reflect on how their deceased spiritual leaders and teachers remained faithful even to death. The Jewish Christians are also called to imitate their example.
Update: In today’s world, we are now also called to carefully consider or reflect on many important matters and issues facing us. (Here are some examples).
Should the US boycott Russian products?
Should the US stop buying oil/gas from Russia?
Should the US buy oil from Iran and Venezuela?
Should the US increase our oil/gas energy production?
Should the US and NATO become more actively involved in the Russia/Ukraine war?
Should Roe vs Wade be overturned?
Parents rights vs. minors receiving gender-affirming medical care
Parents rights vs. schools teaching gender and sexual orientation
Transgender rights and womens’ rights
Whether or not to put God first?
And such circumstances can sometimes lead to surprising situations, events, and results.
Next post: being surprised and astonished