Brief Overview of προσανατίθημι (Strong’s G4323: prosanatithēmi)

Strong’s G4323: A compound verb combining pros (toward), ana (up), and tithēmi (to place), meaning “to lay up in addition, to communicate or consult with.” Used specifically in contexts of seeking counsel or consultation, particularly in Paul’s assertion of his direct divine calling rather than human consultation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσανατίθημι is a rich compound verb that literally means “to lay something additional before someone” or “to consult with.” In its New Testament context, particularly in Galatians, Paul uses this word to emphasize the divine origin of his apostolic calling, stating that he did not immediately consult with human authorities. The word carries significant theological weight in establishing apostolic authority and divine revelation versus human consultation. Early church fathers often used this term when discussing the relationship between divine and human authority in matters of doctrine and calling. Today, it continues to speak to the primacy of divine calling and authority while recognizing the proper place of human counsel.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσανατίθημι, prosanatithēmi, pros-an-a-TI-thee-mi
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘TI’, with ‘pros’ and ‘an’ quickly spoken, ‘mi’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• ἀνα (ana) – prefix meaning “up”
• τίθημι (tithēmi) – root verb meaning “to place, put, lay”
  The combination creates the concept of laying something before someone for consultation.

D – Defining Meanings

• To consult with
• To lay before for consideration
• To seek advice from

For compound words:
The prefix πρός indicates movement toward someone, ἀνα emphasizes the formal nature of the action, and τίθημι provides the basic meaning of placing or laying before. Together, they create the idea of formally presenting something for consultation.

Translation Options:

• “to consult with” – emphasizes the interactive nature of the action
• “to lay before” – captures the formal presentation aspect
• “to seek counsel from” – reflects the purpose of the action

E – Exploring Similar Words

• συμβουλεύω (symbouleuō, soom-bool-EH-oh) – to give advice, without the formal presentation
  See G4823
• ἀνατίθημι (anatithēmi, an-a-TI-thee-mi) – to set forth, without the personal direction
  See G394
• συντίθημι (syntithēmi, soon-TI-thee-mi) – to put together, agree
  See G4934

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσανατίθημι shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Middle
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 1st
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

The middle voice is particularly significant, indicating personal involvement in the consultation process. The aorist aspect suggests a specific point of action rather than ongoing consultation.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in formal consultation contexts. Thayer’s notes its use in contexts of seeking advice. LSJ provides evidence of its use in official communications. Vine’s connects it to the theme of authority and consultation. Strong’s highlights the compound nature affecting the intensity of the consultation. LEH notes its use in formal presentations of matters. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in official consultations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately [προσανεθέμην] consult with anyone. Galatians 1:16

Additional References:
Galatians 2:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσανατίθημι powerfully illustrates the balance between divine authority and human counsel. In Paul’s usage, it emphasizes the direct nature of his divine calling while acknowledging the proper role of consultation in church life. The good news is that God speaks directly to His people while also providing wisdom through the body of Christ, ensuring both divine authority and communal accountability.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears exclusively in Galatians in the New Testament, specifically in contexts of Paul defending his apostolic authority
2. It was commonly used in diplomatic and legal contexts in ancient Greek
3. The compound structure suggests a formal and official nature to the consultation process

Strong’s G4323: A compound verb combining pros (toward), ana (up), and tithēmi (to place), meaning “to lay up in addition, to communicate or consult with.” Used specifically in contexts of seeking counsel or consultation, particularly in Paul’s assertion of his direct divine calling rather than human consultation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: consultation, counsel, authority, apostolic-calling, divine-revelation, Paul, Galatians, formal-communication, advice-seeking, church-leadership, divine-authority, human-counsel, compound-verb, official-communication​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​