Brief Overview of προστρέχω (Strong’s G4370: prostrecho)

Strong’s G4370: A compound verb combining πρός (toward) with τρέχω (to run), meaning to run up to or run toward someone. Used in contexts of eager approach, particularly describing spontaneous movement toward Jesus, often driven by enthusiasm, need, or reverence.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προστρέχω embodies eager and purposeful movement toward someone. As a compound word, it joins πρός (toward) with τρέχω (to run), creating a vivid picture of enthusiastic approach. In its New Testament usage, it often describes people running to Jesus with urgency and expectation. The early church understood this term as symbolizing the proper response to Christ’s presence – eager, immediate movement toward Him. Today, it continues to illustrate the appropriate heart attitude in approaching Jesus: enthusiasm, urgency, and wholehearted dedication.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προστρέχω, prostrecho, /pros-TRE-khō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + tre (as in ‘tray’) + khō (as in ‘co’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “toward”
• τρέχω (trechō) – root verb meaning “to run”
  The combination emphasizes directed, purposeful running toward someone.

D – Defining Meanings

• To run toward
• To run up to
• To hasten toward someone

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional intent to the base verb τρέχω, emphasizing movement specifically aimed at reaching someone.

Translation Options:

1. “To run up to” – Best captures both movement and destination
2. “To run toward” – Emphasizes directional movement
3. “To hasten to” – Highlights urgency of approach

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τρέχω (trechō, /TRE-khō/) – To run
  See G5143
• ἐπιτρέχω (epitrechō, /e-pi-TRE-khō/) – To run upon
  See G2020
• συντρέχω (syntrechō, /syn-TRE-khō/) – To run together
  See G4936

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προστρέχω exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προστρέχω (I run toward)
• Aorist: προσέδραμον (I ran toward)
• Present Participle: προστρέχων (running toward)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• πρόσδρομος (prosdromos) – noun form meaning “forerunner”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing eager approaches to Jesus. Thayer’s notes the enthusiastic nature of the movement. LSJ provides examples from athletic and military contexts. Vine’s highlights its usage in describing spontaneous reactions to Christ. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and purposeful direction. Moulton and Milligan cite examples showing urgent approaches to authority figures.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And when all the crowd saw him, they [προστρέχω] ran up to him and greeted him.” Mark 9:15

Additional References:
Mark 10:17
Acts 8:30

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προστρέχω beautifully captures the proper response to encountering Jesus – immediate, eager movement toward Him. Whether driven by need, curiosity, or worship, this word pictures people actively pursuing Christ. The good news of King Jesus invites this same eager approach today, encouraging us to run to Him with our needs, questions, and worship.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was used in athletic contexts to describe runners approaching the finish line.
2. Early Christian art often depicted people running to Jesus using this word as inspiration.
3. The term influenced early Christian teaching about eagerness in prayer and worship.

Strong’s G4370: A compound verb combining πρός (toward) with τρέχω (to run), meaning to run up to or run toward someone. Used in contexts of eager approach, particularly describing spontaneous movement toward Jesus, often driven by enthusiasm, need, or reverence.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: running, approach, eagerness, urgency, movement, pursuit, enthusiasm, seeking, response, devotion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​