This rare verb portrays an intentional, selective gaze. It combines the ideas of (1) turning one’s eyes away from competing sights and (2) fastening attention on a single object or outcome. In Philippians 2:23 the focus is on discerning how circumstances will unfold for Paul; in Hebrews 12:2 it is on unwavering concentration upon Jesus Christ. In both cases the word conveys more than casual observation— it is expectancy laden with purpose, either toward providential developments or toward the Person who governs them.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Philippians 2:23

Paul plans to dispatch Timothy “as soon as I see how my situation will go”. The apostle is not passively waiting for news; he is watchfully evaluating God’s leadings. The verb underscores his confidence that the Lord will make the path clear at the proper time, a confidence consistent with Philippians 1:20, where Paul likewise anticipates vindication.

2. Hebrews 12:2

Believers are exhorted to run the race “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith”. Here the word pictures athletes who ignore peripheral distractions and lock their sight on the finish banner. The participial form (“fixing”) makes the action continual: the look that launched faith remains the look that sustains and matures it.

Theological Themes

• Christ-centered perseverance. Hebrews 12:2 ties steadfast endurance directly to a resolved focus upon Christ’s triumph. The verb captures the essence of saving faith as well as sanctifying faith— turning from all rival confidences to rest in the Son of God alone.

• Providential watchfulness. Philippians 2:23 illustrates how the same act of deliberate looking governs practical decisions. Paul’s ministry strategy is shaped by alert dependence on divine direction rather than by human calculation.

• Single-minded devotion. The term echoes Old Testament calls to undivided heart (Psalm 86:11) and anticipates the New Testament ideal of a “pure” (literally, single) eye (Matthew 6:22-23). Spiritual clarity comes when lesser attractions are dismissed in favor of God’s purposes.

Historical Reflection

Early Christian writers seized on Hebrews 12:2 to urge steadfastness under persecution. For example, Ignatius (To Polycarp 1.2) calls leaders to “keep fixed the eyes of your heart on Christ.” The verb became a staple of homiletic imagery in the patristic era, likening the Christian life to sailors steering by a fixed star.

Ministry Application

• Preaching and Teaching: Emphasize Christ as both motive and model. Sermons on perseverance should move beyond moral exhortation toward cultivating a Christ-ward gaze.

• Pastoral Care: Counsel believers facing uncertainty (illness, vocation, persecution) to adopt Paul’s posture— waiting to “see” how the Lord will unfold events, confident that sovereign wisdom guides outcomes.

• Leadership: Like Paul with Timothy, ministry planning should arise from vigilant observation of God’s providential indicators rather than mere pragmatic analysis.

Practical Disciplines

1. Scripture meditation that turns quickly from self-scrutiny to contemplation of the Savior’s character and promises.
2. Prayer that asks, “Lord, help me discern what You are doing,” echoing Paul’s expectancy in Philippians 2:23.
3. Corporate worship that visually and verbally centers congregational attention upon Christ crucified, risen, and reigning.

Conclusion

Strong’s 872 sketches the Christian life as a disciplined redirection of vision— away from distractions and toward the decisive realities of God’s will and God’s Son. Whether assessing circumstances or enduring trials, believers live most faithfully when their eyes remain fixed where faith began: on Jesus Christ, “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).