Brief Overview of προσαγωγή (Strong’s G4318: prosagōgē)

Strong’s G4318: A compound noun derived from “prosagō” (to bring near), meaning access or introduction. In biblical context, it specifically refers to believers’ access to God through Christ, emphasizing both the privilege of approach and the mediatorial role of Jesus in providing this access.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσαγωγή embodies the profound concept of access to God’s presence. As a compound noun derived from προσάγω, it represents both the right of approach and the means of access. In the New Testament, it appears in crucial passages about our access to God through Christ (Romans 5:2, Ephesians 2:18, Ephesians 3:12). The early church saw this term as essential for understanding Christ’s mediatorial role and our new relationship with God. Today, it continues to affirm our privileged access to the Father through Christ and the Spirit.

N – Necessary Information

  • Greek Word: προσαγωγή, prosagōgē, pros-a-gō-GAY
  • Pronunciation Guide: pros (as in “prose”) + a (as in “ah”) + gō (as in “go”) + gay (as in “day”)
  • Part of Speech: Noun
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Etymology:

  • πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “toward”
  • ἀγωγή (agōgē) – from ἄγω (agō), meaning “leading”
  • -η (-ē) – feminine noun ending

D – Defining Meanings

  • Access
  • Introduction
  • Right of approach

For compound words:
The prefix πρός (pros-) adds the directional aspect of “toward,” while the root suggests the concept of being led or brought, creating the idea of facilitated approach.

Translation Options:

  • “access” – emphasizes the privilege of approach
  • “introduction” – highlights the mediatorial aspect
  • “right of approach” – stresses the granted privilege

E – Exploring Similar Words

  • εἴσοδος (eisodos, EIS-o-dos) – See G1529: emphasizes entrance
  • πρόσοδος (prosodos, PROS-o-dos) – See G4318: focuses on approach
  • ἐντυγχάνω (entygchanō, en-tyg-KHA-nō) – See G1793: emphasizes intercession

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, προσαγωγή exhibits:

  • Case: Nominative/Accusative/Genitive/Dative
  • Number: Singular/Plural
  • Gender: Feminine
  • Declension: First

Case forms:

  • Nominative: ἡ προσαγωγή
  • Accusative: τὴν προσαγωγήν
  • Genitive: τῆς προσαγωγῆς
  • Dative: τῇ προσαγωγῇ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of divine access. Thayer’s highlights its connection to Christ’s mediatorial role. LSJ notes its use in court settings. Vine’s connects it to privileged approach. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting facilitated access. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from formal introductions to authority.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Romans 5:2: “Through him we have also obtained access [προσαγωγὴν] by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

Additional References:
Ephesians 2:18
Ephesians 3:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: WorkText
Xenophon: Cyropaedia“They had access [προσαγωγήν] to the king’s presence”
Thucydides: History“The ambassadors received introduction [προσαγωγήν] to the council”
Plutarch: Lives“He gained access [προσαγωγήν] to the inner court”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσαγωγή beautifully captures the privilege of access to God through Christ. This word proclaims the good news by showing that through Christ’s work, we have been granted confident access to the Father. It reminds us that our approach to God is not based on our merit but on Christ’s mediatorial work.

D – Did You Know?

  • Προσαγωγή was a technical term for introduction to royalty
  • The word appears only three times in the New Testament, all in crucial theological contexts
  • Early church fathers used it extensively to discuss prayer and worship access

Strong’s G4318: A compound noun meaning access or introduction, specifically referring to believers’ privileged approach to God through Christ. Emphasizes both the right of access and Christ’s mediatorial role in providing it.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: access, mediation, christ, prayer, worship, approach-to-god, romans, ephesians, privilege, divine-presence, salvation, reconciliation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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