A Brief Study on the Phrase: "Take Heed" — Our Responsibility to This Charge.
In the King James Bible, the phrase “take heed” reflects a solemn warning or call to attention. It translates from the Greek verb βλέπω (blépō), which commonly means to see, to observe, to perceive, or to discern.
Greek: βλέπω (blépō)
This word carries multiple layers of meaning in the New Testament, extending beyond physical sight to spiritual and mental awareness.
1) Physical Sight (Primary Sense) – To see or look upon
- Example: βλέπω τὸν οἶκον – "I see the house."
2) Observation / Attention – To notice or pay close attention
- Example: Βλέπετε πῶς οἰκοδομοῦσιν – "Observe how they build."
3) Understanding / Discernment – To perceive mentally or spiritually
- Example: βλέπω τὴν ἀλήθειαν – "I perceive the truth."
4) Care / Caution – To beware or be alert (especially in imperatives)
- Example: Βλέπετε ἀπὸ τῶν ψευδοπροφητῶν – "Beware of the false prophets."
5) Outward Appearance – To seem or look like something
- Example: βλέπει καλῶς – "He looks well."
Etymology of the English Word “Heed”
- Old English: hēdan – “to take care, observe, guard”
- Proto-Germanic: haudijaną – “to pay attention to”
“Heed” implies careful consideration, particularly in the context of instruction, warning, or advice.
Various English Renderings of βλέπω in the KJB:
looketh, seeth, beholdest, sees, saw, they seeing, behold, thou regardest, see ye, take heed, beware, beholdest thou, sight, looked, beholding, seeing, ‘at the things which are not seen’, ‘the things which are seen’; I perceive; Do ye look on; we see, seest thou, look.
This shows the translators’ effort to render βλέπω according to its contextual sense—sometimes physical, other times spiritual or admonitory.
Personal Reflection: Mark 13
During my morning devotion in Mark chapter 13, the phrase “take heed” gripped my attention. Consider its usage in just this one chapter:
- Mark 13:5 — Take heed lest any man deceive you.
- Mark 13:9 — But take heed to yourselves...
- Mark 13:23 — But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
- Mark 13:33 — Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Each command from our Lord is personal. It implies a duty to be spiritually alert, morally responsible, and doctrinally grounded.
Other Gospel Examples of “Take Heed”:
- Matthew – 6:1; 16:6; 18:10; 24:4
- Mark – 4:24; 8:15
- Luke – 8:18; 11:35; 12:15; 17:3; 21:8, 34
It is not only my personal responsibility, but also the responsibility of every Christian to take heed to themselves in how they respond to the words of God—so as to prevent any future opportunity of yielding to the old sinful nature, believing false doctrine, or allowing a heart of unbelief to deceive us into departing from the living God.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12 — Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
- 1 Timothy 4:16 — Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
- Hebrews 3:12 — Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
These verses require me to take heed, for ultimately, I alone am responsible for the decisions I make. Our faith must never be passive—it calls for our full attention, engaging both our minds and our wills to remain continually attentive to the Word of God. Whether it involves guarding sound doctrine, avoiding pride, or resisting deception from sin's nature in us, taking heed is our personal and ongoing responsibility before the Lord. So, for the love of God, take heed with me today as we begin a new week before God and others. Let us be found pleasing in His sight—walking uprightly before Him by diligently examining our ways, and making every effort to honor Him not only in our thoughts, but by confirming them in our actions. In doing so, we will prevent ourselves from falling to sinful deeds, believing false doctrine, and keeping ourselves close to God in fellowship.
Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23 (KJB)
With love, brother Carlos.
