The Greek verb katamanthano (καταμανθάνω) means to consider carefully, to observe intently, to learn by close observation. The kata prefix intensifies the basic manthano (learn/study), indicating thorough and attentive examination. The word appears only once in the New Testament (Matthew 6:28) and represents one of Jesus's calls to contemplative attention to God's creation.
Jesus uses katamanthano in the Sermon on the Mount: 'Consider how the wild flowers grow (katamathete ta krina tou agrou).' This is not casual observation but intent study — the kind of focused contemplative attention that yields wisdom. Jesus commands his disciples to be diligent observers of what God is doing in creation, drawing theological lessons from lilies about divine provision. The word suggests that genuine faith is attentive — it notices God's care in the ordinary world and draws encouragement from it. Contemplative observation of creation is presented not as distraction from faith but as one of its exercises.