Greek

To oversee/care for

ἐπισκοπέωStrong’s G1983

episkopeō

Appears in 2 verses of the New Testament

In short

Episkopeō is the Greek word usually translated “observing” and “exercising oversight”. It appears in 2 verses of the New Testament.

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”

Hebrews 12:15 KJV

Meaning

Usually translated “observing” and “exercising oversight”. Open the dictionary entry below for the full range of meaning, with the verses it cites.

How it's translated

observing 1
exercising oversight 1

Word-by-word English from the STEPBible tagged text.

Where it's used most

Hebrews 1
1 Peter 1

2 books in all.

Explore in Scripture

1 Peter 5:2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

Greek dictionary

ἐπισκοπέω episkopeō · to oversee/care for

ἐπι-σκοπέω, -ῶ [in LXX for פָּקַד ni., etc. ;] 1. to look upon, observe, examine: before μή, Heb.12:16. 2. As ἐπισκέπτομαι in LXX, NT, to visit, care for: 1Pe.5:2 (R, txt.; WH cm.; Cremer, 527).† (AS)

From STEPBible’s Greek lexicon (based on Abbott-Smith).

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

How the English word “observe” was understood when the King James Version was still the common Bible of English readers.

OBSERVE, verb transitive

obzerv'. [Latin observo; ob and servo, to keep or hold. The sense is to hold in view, or to keep the eyes on.]

To see or behold with some attention; to notice; as, to observe a halo round the moon; I observed a singular phenomenon; we observe strangers or their dress.
To take notice or cognizance of by the intellect.
To utter or express, as a remark, opinion or sentiment; to remark.
To keep religiously; to celebrate.“A night to be much observed to the Lord” Exodus 12:42“Ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread” Exodus 12:17“Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years” Galatians 4:10

All definitions and other forms of “observe”

To keep or adhere to in practice; to comply with; to obey; as, to observe the laws of the state; to observe the rules and regulations of a society.“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” Matthew 28:20
To practice.

OBSERVE, verb intransitive

observ'.

To remark.
To be attentive.

Noah Webster, An American Dictionary of the English Language (1828). Verse references are checked against the KJV. Read the full entry.

Verses are from the King James Version. Word meanings come from the original Greek, not from any one translation.