Brief Overview of προσαγορεύω (Strong’s G4316: prosagoreuo)

Strong’s G4316: A compound verb combining “pros” (toward) and “agoreuo” (to speak/proclaim), meaning to address or designate officially. In biblical context, it specifically refers to God’s formal designation of Christ as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσαγορεύω embodies the concept of formal declaration or official designation. As a compound word, it combines directed speech with public proclamation. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in Hebrews 5:10, where it describes God’s official designation of Christ as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. The early church understood this term as emphasizing the divine authority behind Christ’s priesthood. Today, it continues to affirm the legitimacy and divine appointment of Christ’s high priestly role.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσαγορεύω, prosagoreuo, pros-a-go-REU-ō
• Pronunciation Guide: pros (as in “prose”) + a (as in “ah”) + go (as in “go”) + REU (as in “review”) + ō (as in “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “toward”
• ἀγορεύω (agoreuo) – root verb meaning “to speak/proclaim”
• -ω (-ō) – verbal suffix indicating first person singular present active

D – Defining Meanings

• To designate officially
• To address formally
• To proclaim as

For compound words:
The prefix πρός (pros-) adds the directional aspect of “toward,” while ἀγορεύω (agoreuo) provides the sense of public proclamation.

Translation Options:

• “to designate as” – emphasizes official appointment
• “to declare as” – highlights public proclamation
• “to address as” – stresses formal recognition

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καλέω (kaleō, ka-LE-ō) – See G2564: emphasizes naming or calling
• ὀνομάζω (onomazō, o-no-MAD-zō) – See G3687: focuses on naming
• προσφωνέω (prosphōneō, pros-fō-NE-ō) – See G4377: emphasizes calling to

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσαγορεύω exhibits:

• Tense: Aorist Passive
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Example forms:

• Present Active: προσαγορεύω
• Aorist Passive: προσαγορευθείς
• Perfect Passive: προσαγορευμένος

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in formal designation. Thayer’s highlights its official proclamatory nature. LSJ notes its frequent use in official declarations. Vine’s connects it to divine appointment. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting directed proclamation. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from official documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Hebrews 5:10: “being designated [προσαγορευθείς] by God as high priest after the order of Melchizedek.”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, προσαγορεύω appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσαγορεύω powerfully affirms Christ’s divine appointment as High Priest. This word proclaims the good news by showing that Jesus’s priesthood was officially designated by God Himself, ensuring its legitimacy and effectiveness. It reminds us that our Great High Priest serves with divine authority and approval.

D – Did You Know?

• Προσαγορεύω was commonly used in formal governmental appointments
• The word appears only once in the New Testament, in a crucial theological context
• Early church writers used it to discuss Christ’s unique priesthood

Strong’s G4316: A compound verb meaning to designate officially or address formally, used specifically of God’s designation of Christ as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Emphasizes divine authority in Christ’s priestly appointment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: designation, priesthood, melchizedek, appointment, christ, hebrews, authority, divine-approval, high-priest, official-recognition, proclamation, declaration​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​