Brief Overview of προσκυλίω (Strong’s G4351: proskuliō)

Strong’s G4351: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with kuliō (to roll), meaning “to roll to, roll against.” Used specifically in Gospel accounts of Jesus’ burial to describe the action of rolling the stone against the entrance of the tomb, emphasizing the physical closure of the burial site.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσκυλίω represents the specific action of rolling something toward or against something else. In the New Testament, it appears exclusively in the context of Jesus’ burial, describing the rolling of the stone against the tomb entrance. The compound structure emphasizes both direction and the rolling motion. Early church fathers often referenced this term when discussing the reality of Jesus’ death and burial. Today, it serves as a powerful reminder of both the finality of Jesus’ death and the temporary nature of His tomb’s closure.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσκυλίω, proskuliō, pros-koo-LEE-oh
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘LEE’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘oh’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward, against”
• κυλίω (kuliō) – root verb meaning “to roll”
  The combination indicates directed rolling motion.

D – Defining Meanings

• To roll toward
• To roll against
• To roll up to

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional focus to κυλίω, creating the concept of rolling something specifically toward or against a target.

Translation Options:

• “to roll against” – emphasizes the final position
• “to roll toward” – captures the directional movement
• “to roll up to” – reflects the complete action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κυλίω (kuliō, koo-LEE-oh) – to roll, without directional emphasis
  See G2947
• ἀποκυλίω (apokuliō, ap-o-koo-LEE-oh) – to roll away
  See G617
• ἀνακυλίω (anakuliō, an-a-koo-LEE-oh) – to roll back
  See G303

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσκυλίω shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

The aorist indicates a completed action, while the active voice shows direct involvement in rolling the stone.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its specific use in burial contexts. Thayer’s notes its technical nature in tomb closure. LSJ provides evidence of its use in moving heavy objects. Vine’s connects it to burial customs. Strong’s highlights the directional aspect. LEH notes its rare usage. Moulton and Milligan cite limited papyri evidence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he [προσκυλίσας] rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Matthew 27:60

Additional References:
Mark 15:46

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσκυλίω powerfully captures the physical reality of Jesus’ burial while pointing to the temporary nature of death’s power. While the stone was rolled against the tomb with finality, it would soon be rolled away in victory. The good news is that the same tomb that was sealed became the launching point for resurrection power.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used exclusively in burial narratives of Jesus
2. The stone typically weighed several tons
3. The rolling mechanism often involved a carved channel

Strong’s G4351: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with kuliō (to roll), meaning “to roll to, roll against.” Used specifically in Gospel accounts of Jesus’ burial to describe the action of rolling the stone against the entrance of the tomb, emphasizing the physical closure of the burial site.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: burial, tomb, stone, Jesus-death, compound-verb, Gospel-narratives, burial-customs, physical-action, Jesus-tomb, resurrection-narrative, burial-practices, historical-details, passion-narrative, burial-preparation, tomb-sealing​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​