Brief Overview of προσαιτέω (Strong’s G4319: prosaiteo)

Strong’s G4319: A compound verb combining the preposition pros (toward) with aiteo (to ask), meaning “to beg from, to ask earnestly.” Used specifically of beggars who actively approached people to ask for alms, reflecting both the physical act of approaching and the social context of begging in ancient society.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσαιτέω emerges as a vivid descriptor of the act of begging, particularly in contexts where individuals actively approach others for assistance. The compound nature of this word – combining the directional pros with the act of asking (aiteo) – paints a picture of intentional, face-to-face supplication. In the New Testament, it often appears in narratives involving blind beggars, notably in the accounts of Bartimaeus and other healing stories. The word carries social and theological weight, reflecting both the reality of poverty in ancient society and the spiritual metaphor of human dependence on divine mercy. Early church fathers often used this word to illustrate spiritual poverty and our complete dependence on God’s grace, drawing parallels between physical begging and our spiritual posture before God.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσαιτέω, prosaiteo, pros-ah-ee-TEH-oh
• Pronunciation: Stress on ‘TEH’, with ‘pros’ spoken quickly and ‘oh’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward, to, at”
• αἰτέω (aiteo) – root verb meaning “to ask, request”
  The combination creates a heightened sense of the asking/begging action, emphasizing the direct approach to the person being asked.

D – Defining Meanings

• To beg actively from others
• To approach someone for the purpose of requesting alms
• To earnestly supplicate for basic needs

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds the notion of movement toward or facing someone, while αἰτέω provides the core meaning of asking or requesting. The combination intensifies the act of asking into begging, with emphasis on the physical approach.

Translation Options:

• “to beg from” – captures both the act and directional aspect
• “to petition actively” – emphasizes the intentional approach
• “to solicit alms” – specifically references the historical context of begging

E – Exploring Similar Words

• αἰτέω (aiteo, ah-ee-TEH-oh) – simple asking without the directional emphasis
  See G154
• ἐπαιτέω (epaiteo, ep-ah-ee-TEH-oh) – to beg, with emphasis on duration
  See G1871
• δέομαι (deomai, DEH-oh-mai) – to beg, with emphasis on need
  See G1189

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσαιτέω exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The word typically appears in the present tense, emphasizing ongoing action. In participial form, it often functions as a substantive (“the one who begs”). The active voice emphasizes the beggar’s initiative in approaching others.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the compound nature of the word, noting its specific use for begging alms. Thayer’s highlights the intentional approach aspect. LSJ provides classical examples of public begging. Vine’s connects it to the broader word family of asking/requesting. Strong’s emphasizes the intensified meaning through the prefix. LEH notes its use in describing persistent requesting. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in describing professional beggars in ancient society.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar [προσαιτῶν], the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. Mark 10:46

Additional References:
John 9:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Herodotus: Histories	The man approached [προσαιτέω] the wealthy merchants, seeking assistance for his journey
Aristophanes: Plutus	The beggar daily stationed himself [προσαιτέω] at the temple entrance
Lucian: Dialogues	He was reduced to begging [προσαιτέω] from those he once counted as friends

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσαιτέω represents more than just the act of begging; it embodies the humility and vulnerability of human need. In the Gospel narratives, those who approach Jesus using this action often receive not just physical healing but spiritual transformation. This word reminds us that approaching Christ in our spiritual poverty is the first step toward receiving His abundant grace. The good news is that Jesus never turns away those who earnestly seek Him, transforming beggars into beloved children of God.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears predominantly in healing narratives, suggesting a connection between physical need and spiritual transformation
2. Ancient Greek society had designated areas where προσαιτέω was permitted, usually near temples and public spaces
3. The prefix προσ- appears in over 100 New Testament compound words, often indicating movement toward something or someone

Strong’s G4319: A compound verb combining the preposition pros (toward) with aiteo (to ask), meaning “to beg from, to ask earnestly.” Used specifically of beggars who actively approached people to ask for alms, reflecting both the physical act of approaching and the social context of begging in ancient society.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: begging, asking, supplication, poverty, healing, Bartimaeus, blind, alms, approaching, earnest-request, compound-verb, social-context, ancient-society, human-need, divine-mercy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​