Brief Overview of προσάγω (Strong’s G4317: prosagō)
Strong’s G4317: A compound verb combining “pros” (toward) and “agō” (to lead/bring), meaning to bring near or lead toward. In biblical contexts, it carries significant theological weight, often referring to bringing people to Christ or approaching God, emphasizing both physical and spiritual access.
U- Unveiling the Word
Προσάγω embodies the concept of bringing near or leading toward. As a compound word, it combines directional movement with purposeful leading. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from bringing the sick to Jesus (Luke 9:41) to bringing believers to God (1 Peter 3:18). The early church understood this term as significant in describing both physical approach to Christ and spiritual access to God. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of Christ’s mediatorial role and our approach to God.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: προσάγω, prosagō, pros-A-gō
- Pronunciation Guide: pros (as in “prose”) + A (as in “ah”) + gō (as in “go”)
- Part of Speech: Verb
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Etymology:
- πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “toward”
- ἄγω (agō) – root verb meaning “to lead/bring”
- -ω (-ō) – verbal suffix indicating first person singular present active
D – Defining Meanings
- To bring near
- To lead toward
- To provide access
For compound words:
The prefix πρός (pros-) adds the directional aspect of “toward,” while ἄγω (agō) provides the concept of leading or bringing.
Translation Options:
- “to bring to” – emphasizes movement toward
- “to lead near” – highlights guided approach
- “to provide access” – stresses facilitated approach
E – Exploring Similar Words
- εἰσάγω (eisagō, eis-A-gō) – See G1521: emphasizes bringing into
- ἄγω (agō, A-gō) – See G71: basic form meaning “to lead”
- προσέρχομαι (proserchomai, pros-ER-kho-mai) – See G4334: emphasizes coming near
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a verb, προσάγω exhibits:
- Tense: Present/Aorist/Future
- Voice: Active/Passive
- Mood: Indicative/Subjunctive/Imperative
- Person: First/Second/Third
- Number: Singular/Plural
- Aspect: Progressive/Punctiliar
Examples:
- Present Active: “I bring near”
- Aorist Passive: “was brought near”
- Future Active: “will bring near”
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes both physical and spiritual aspects. Thayer’s highlights its use in approaching authority. LSJ notes its frequent use in ceremonial contexts. Vine’s connects it to access to God. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting purposeful approach. Moulton and Milligan cite examples showing formal presentation.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First Appearance:
Luke 9:41: “Jesus answered, ‘O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring [πρόσαγε] your son here.'”
Additional References:
Acts 16:20
Acts 27:27
1 Peter 3:18
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
Author: Work | Text |
---|---|
Xenophon: Anabasis | “They brought [προσάγοντες] the prisoners before the general” |
Thucydides: History | “The ambassadors were led [προσήγαγον] into the assembly” |
Plato: Republic | “The guardians bring [προσάγουσι] the youth to education” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Προσάγω beautifully captures the mediatorial work of Christ. This word proclaims the good news by showing how Jesus both brings people to Himself for healing and brings believers to God for reconciliation. It reminds us that Christ is our perfect mediator who provides access to the Father.
D – Did You Know?
- Προσάγω was a technical term for introducing people to authority
- The word appears in both healing and salvation contexts
- Early church writers used it extensively to discuss Christ’s mediatorial role
Strong’s G4317: A compound verb meaning to bring near or lead toward, used in contexts of both physical approach to Christ and spiritual access to God. Emphasizes Christ’s role in facilitating approach to divine presence.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: access, approach, mediation, christ, healing, reconciliation, bringing-near, luke, peter, salvation, divine-presence, approach-to-god