Quick Definition
regard attentively, take heed
Strong's Definition
to take aim at (spy), i.e. (figuratively) regard
Derivation: from G4649 (σκοπός);
KJV Usage: consider, take heed, look at (on), mark
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
σκοπέω, σκόπω; (σκοπός, which see); from Homer down; to look at, observe, contemplate. to mark: absolutely, followed by μή with the indicative (see μή, III. 2), Luk_11:35; τινα, to fix one's eyes upon, direct one's attention to, anyone: Rom_16:17; Php_3:17; σεαυτόν, followed by μή with the subjunctive to look to, take heed to thyself, lest etc. Gal_6:1 (see μή, II. 1 b.); τί, to look at, i. e. care for, have regard to, a thing: 2Co_4:18; Php_2:4 (2Ma_4:5). (Compare: ἐπισκόπω, κατασκοπέω.) [SYNONYMS: σκοπεῖν is more pointed than βλέπειν; often equivalent to to scrutinize, observe. When the physical sense recedes, equivalent to to fix one's (mind's) eye on, direct one's attention to, a thing in order to get it, or owing to interest in it, or a duty toward it. Hence, often equivalent to aim at, care for, etc. Schmidt, Syn., chapter 11: Cf. θεωρέω, ὁράω.]
Mounce Concise Greek Dictionary
σκοπέω skopeō 6x
to view attentively, watch; to see, observe, take care, beware, Luk_11:35 ; Gal_6:1 ;
to regard, have respect to, 2Co_4:18 ; Php_2:4 ;
to mark, note, Rom_16:17 ; Php_3:17
Abbott-Smith Greek Lexicon
** ακοπέω , -ῶ
( < σκοπός ),
[in LXX : Ezr_8:13 , 2Ma_4:5 * ;]
to look at, behold, watch, contemplate. Metaph ., to look to, consider: c . acc rei , 2Co_4:13 , Php_2:4 ; c . acc pers ., Rom_16:17 , Php_3:17 ; seq . μή , Luk_11:35 ; σεαυτόν , seq . μή ( v . M , Pr., 192), Gal_6:1 ( cf. ἐπι -, κατα -σκοπέω ).†
SYN.: βλέπω G991 , θεωρέω G2334 , ὁράω G3708 .
Moulton & Milligan — Vocabulary of the Greek NT
σκοπέω [page 579]
look upon, watch, contemplate : cf. P Par 61 .3 (B.C. 156) σκοπεῖτε ἵνα μηδὲν παρὰ ταῦτα γίνηται , P Oxy XII. 1420 .2 ( c. A.D. 129) ὁ στρατηγὸς σκεψάμενος ( after consideration ) εἶπεν , ib. XIV. 1773 .13 (iii/A.D.) νῦν οὖν ἐσκεψάμην τοὺς γόμους μου ἀρῖν εἰς Ἀντινόου , and ib. VI. 940 .5 (v/A.D.) οὕτως σκοπῶ τὸ πρακτέον , thus I shall see what is to be done (Edd.). In Luk_11:35 σκόπει μὴ τὸ φῶς . . σκότος ἐστίν , we may render, Look ! perhaps the light is darkness (cf. Proleg. p. 192). See also s.vv. ἐπισκοπέω and κατασκοπέω .
Liddell-Scott — Intermediate Greek Lexicon
σκοπέω [Etym: σκοπός] [Etym: used by Att. writers only in pres. and impf., the other tenses being supplied by σκέπτομαι.] "to look at or after" a thing: "to behold, contemplate", Pind. , Soph. , etc.:—absol. "to look out, watch", Soph. , etc. metaph. "to look to, consider, examine", Hdt. , attic; σκ. τι Thuc. , etc.; σκ. περί τινος or τι Plat. : absol., ὀρθῶς σκοπεῖν Eur. , etc. "to look out for", c. acc., Xen. , etc. Mid., used just like Act., Soph. , Eur. Pass., σκοπῶν καὶ σκοπούμενος "considering" and "being considered", Plat.
STEPBible — Tyndale Abridged Greek Lexicon
ακοπέω, -ῶ
(σκοπός), [in LXX: Est.8:13, 2Ma.4:5 * ;]
to look at, behold, watch, contemplate. Metaphorical, to look to, consider: with accusative of thing(s), 2Co.4:13, Php.2:4; with accusative of person(s), Rom.16:17, Php.3:17; before μή, Luk.11:35; σεαυτόν, before μή (see M, Pr., 192), Gal.6:1 (cf. ἐπι-, κατα-σκοπέω).†
SYN.: βλέπω, θεωρέω, ὁράω (AS)
📖 In-Depth Word Study
Look (observe, keep eye on, watch) (4648) skopeo
Observe (4648) (skopeo from skopos = distant mark looked at, goal or end one has in view; English "scope" as in microscope or telescope) means to "spy out", to look at, to observe, to contemplate, to mark ( to fix or trace out the bounds or limits of). Skopeo implies mental consideration and so conveys the picture of attentively fixing one's attention upon something (in this case someone) with desire for (emulation) or interest in. The idea can be to "aim at". Contemplate, look into, examine, inspect, continue to regard closely, to notice carefully, pay attention to, keep one's attention on.
Vincent (quoting Schmidt) adds that skopeo means...
To direct one’s attention upon a thing, either in order to obtain it, or because one has a peculiar interest in it, or a duty to fulfil toward it. Also to have an eye to with a view of forming a right judgment.
There are 6 NT uses of skopeo (mostly by Paul)...
Luke 11:35 "Then watch (present imperative) out that the light in you may not be darkness.
Romans 16:17 (note) Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye (present tense = keep keeping your eye on them - this describes a continual need) on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
2 Corinthians 4:18 while we look (present tense = habitually) not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking (present tense = continually - almost conveys an imperative sense in this context) to yourself, (Why do you need to continually "mark" yourself?) lest you too be tempted (passive voice = describes temptation coming from outside source).
Vincent comments: Notice the passing to the singular number — “considering thyself.” (Ed: = "yourself") The exhortation is addressed to the conscience of each. Before you deal severely with the erring brother, consider your own weakness and susceptibility to temptation, and restore him in view of that fact. (cp 1 Cor 10:12)
Philippians 2:4 (note) do not merely look (present tense = continually - almost conveys an imperative sense in this context) out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 3:17 (note) Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
Paul is commanding (imperative mood) the Philippian saints to continually (present tense) attentively keep fixing their attention upon, (with desire for or interest in) those who exemplify godly conduct. Make it your habit to "scope out" godly examples.
Imagine running the 110 meter low hurdles with your eyes on the track or only on the hurdles or constantly on the competition in the lanes on either side. That would be ridiculous. But no more ridiculous than running the race of life (see notes Hebrews 12:1; 12:2) aimlessly as if in a spiritual fog! Only one life. Will soon pass. Only what's done in Christ will last. Run with focus and endurance so at the end of your race you have no regrets... a life well lived for His Name and His glory.