Brief Overview of προσδαπανάω (Strong’s G4325: prosdapanaō)

Strong’s G4325: A compound verb combining pros (in addition) with dapanaō (to spend), meaning “to spend in addition, to expend more.” Used uniquely in the Good Samaritan parable to illustrate generous, sacrificial giving beyond initial obligation, demonstrating true neighborly love.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσδαπανάω represents the concept of additional or supplementary spending, particularly in contexts of generous provision. In its New Testament appearance, it occurs in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, where it powerfully illustrates going beyond minimal obligation to provide generous care for others. The compound nature emphasizes voluntarily spending more than initially planned or required. Early church fathers often used this term to discuss Christian charity and sacrificial giving, highlighting how true love extends beyond mere duty. Today, it continues to challenge believers to demonstrate Christ-like generosity that exceeds basic requirements or expectations.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσδαπανάω, prosdapanaō, pros-da-pa-NAH-oh
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘NAH’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘oh’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “in addition, further”
• δαπανάω (dapanaō) – root verb meaning “to spend, expend”
  The combination indicates additional spending beyond initial outlay.

D – Defining Meanings

• To spend in addition
• To expend more than initially planned
• To provide extra resources

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds the concept of additional action, while δαπανάω provides the basic meaning of spending or expending resources. Together, they create the idea of supplementary spending beyond initial outlay.

Translation Options:

• “to spend additionally” – emphasizes the supplementary nature
• “to expend further” – captures the ongoing generosity
• “to provide extra” – reflects the voluntary additional provision

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δαπανάω (dapanaō, da-pa-NAH-oh) – to spend, without the additional aspect
  See G1159
• ἀναλίσκω (analiskō, an-al-IS-ko) – to consume or expend
  See G355
• χορηγέω (chorēgeō, khor-ay-GEH-oh) – to supply, furnish abundantly
  See G5524

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσδαπανάω shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Subjunctive
• Person: 2nd
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

The subjunctive mood in its New Testament usage suggests potential or anticipated additional spending. The active voice emphasizes the subject’s voluntary action in providing extra resources.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of voluntary additional expenditure. Thayer’s notes its specific use in charitable giving. LSJ provides evidence of its use in financial transactions going beyond required amounts. Vine’s connects it to Christian generosity. Strong’s highlights the compound nature affecting the scope of spending. LEH notes its use in contexts of supplementary provision. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in business transactions involving additional expenses.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you [προσδαπανήσῃς] spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Luke 10:35

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσδαπανάω beautifully illustrates Christ-like generosity that goes beyond minimal obligation. In the Good Samaritan parable, it represents love that knows no limits in serving others. The good news is that Jesus perfectly demonstrated this unlimited generosity in His sacrifice for us, and now empowers His followers to show the same sacrificial love to others.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Jesus’ most famous parable about neighborly love
2. It was commonly used in ancient business receipts to indicate voluntary additional payments
3. The Good Samaritan’s use of this word implies an open-ended commitment to the injured man’s care

Strong’s G4325: A compound verb combining pros (in addition) with dapanaō (to spend), meaning “to spend in addition, to expend more.” Used uniquely in the Good Samaritan parable to illustrate generous, sacrificial giving beyond initial obligation, demonstrating true neighborly love.

Part of speech: Verb

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