Brief Overview of προσκαρτερέω (Strong’s G4342: proskartereō)

Strong’s G4342: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with kartereō (to be strong, steadfast), meaning “to persist in, continue steadfastly in, adhere to.” Used to describe devoted attention and persistent dedication, particularly in prayer, ministry, and fellowship in the early church.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσκαρτερέω represents steadfast persistence and devoted attention. In the New Testament, it appears in significant contexts describing the early church’s dedication to prayer, apostolic teaching, and fellowship. The compound structure emphasizes both direction and strength, creating the concept of focused endurance. Early church fathers frequently used this term to describe the essential characteristics of Christian devotion and community life. Today, it continues to express the vital importance of persistent dedication in prayer, worship, and Christian fellowship.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσκαρτερέω, proskartereō, pros-kar-ter-EH-oh
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘EH’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘oh’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• καρτερέω (kartereō) – root verb meaning “to be strong, endure”
  The combination indicates persistent strength directed toward something.

D – Defining Meanings

• To continue steadfastly
• To persist devotedly
• To remain faithful to

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional focus to καρτερέω, creating the concept of sustained, focused endurance. The combination emphasizes both persistence and dedication.

Translation Options:

• “to persist in” – emphasizes continuous action
• “to remain devoted to” – captures the dedication aspect
• “to continue steadfastly in” – reflects both duration and intensity

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑπομένω (hupomenō, hoo-po-MEN-oh) – to endure, remain
  See G5278
• παραμένω (paramenō, par-a-MEN-oh) – to remain beside
  See G3887
• ἐπιμένω (epimenō, ep-i-MEN-oh) – to continue in
  See G1961

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσκαρτερέω shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: All
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

The present tense emphasizes ongoing action, while the active voice shows direct involvement in the persistence.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of devoted attention. Thayer’s notes its application to persistent prayer. LSJ provides evidence of its use in contexts requiring endurance. Vine’s connects it to steadfast continuation. Strong’s highlights the strength aspect. LEH notes its use in contexts of faithful service. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in devoted attendance.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they [προσκαρτερῇ] crush him. Mark 3:9

Additional References:
Acts 1:14
Acts 2:42
Acts 6:4
Romans 12:12
Colossians 4:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσκαρτερέω powerfully illustrates the Christian life’s call to persistent dedication. The early church modeled this steadfast devotion in prayer, fellowship, and ministry. The good news is that Christ empowers us for such enduring faithfulness through His Spirit.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word characterizes the early church’s dedication in Acts
2. It appears frequently in contexts of prayer and worship
3. Early Christian writers used it to describe martyrs’ steadfastness

Strong’s G4342: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with kartereō (to be strong, steadfast), meaning “to persist in, continue steadfastly in, adhere to.” Used to describe devoted attention and persistent dedication, particularly in prayer, ministry, and fellowship in the early church.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: persistence, devotion, steadfastness, prayer, early-church, fellowship, compound-verb, dedication, endurance, faithfulness, Christian-practice, worship, ministry, perseverance, community-life​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​