Brief Overview of προσεγγίζω (Strong’s G4331: prosengizō)

Strong’s G4331: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with engizō (to draw near), meaning “to come close to, approach near to.” Used in contexts of physical approach or drawing near, particularly in Mark’s Gospel where it describes the effort to bring someone into Jesus’ presence.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσεγγίζω represents the act of drawing very near or approaching closely. In its New Testament context, it appears in Mark’s account of the paralytic being brought to Jesus, emphasizing both physical proximity and spiritual approach. The compound structure intensifies the basic idea of approaching, suggesting determined or purposeful drawing near. Early church fathers often used this term to describe both physical and spiritual approaches to Christ. Today, it continues to illustrate the importance of bringing others into Christ’s presence and our own approach to Him in faith.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσεγγίζω, prosengizō, pros-en-GID-zo
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘GID’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘zo’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• ἐγγίζω (engizō) – root verb meaning “to draw near”
  The combination intensifies the concept of approaching or drawing near.

D – Defining Meanings

• To draw very near
• To approach closely
• To come into close proximity

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional force to ἐγγίζω, creating an intensified sense of drawing near. The combination emphasizes purposeful, determined approach.

Translation Options:

• “to draw very near” – emphasizes the closeness of approach
• “to come close to” – captures the movement aspect
• “to approach directly” – reflects the intentional nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐγγίζω (engizō, en-GID-zo) – to draw near, without the additional emphasis
  See G1448
• προσέρχομαι (proserchomai, pros-ER-kho-mai) – to come toward
  See G4334
• πλησιάζω (plēsiazō, play-see-AD-zo) – to come near
  See G4331

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσεγγίζω exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Infinitive, Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Punctiliar

The active voice emphasizes the subject’s deliberate action in approaching, while the present tense often indicates ongoing movement toward.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of deliberate approach. Thayer’s notes the intensifying force of the compound. LSJ provides evidence of its use in both literal and metaphorical drawing near. Vine’s connects it to purposeful approach to Christ. Strong’s highlights the combination of prepositions intensifying the meaning. LEH notes its use in contexts of reverent approach. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in formal approaches to authority.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And when they could not [προσεγγίσαι] get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. Mark 2:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσεγγίζω beautifully illustrates both physical and spiritual approach to Christ. The determined effort to draw near, seen in the paralytic’s friends, reminds us that Jesus is always accessible to those who persistently seek Him. The good news is that Christ welcomes all who approach Him in faith, regardless of the obstacles they must overcome.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in one of the most dramatic healing narratives in Mark’s Gospel
2. It was commonly used in diplomatic contexts for formal approaches to authority
3. The compound structure makes it one of the most emphatic words for approaching in Greek

Strong’s G4331: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with engizō (to draw near), meaning “to come close to, approach near to.” Used in contexts of physical approach or drawing near, particularly in Mark’s Gospel where it describes the effort to bring someone into Jesus’ presence.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: approach, drawing-near, proximity, healing-narrative, persistence, faith, accessibility, compound-verb, Mark’s-Gospel, paralytic, determination, spiritual-approach, physical-approach, seeking-Jesus, overcoming-obstacles​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​