Brief Overview of προσεάω (Strong’s G4330: proseaō)

Strong’s G4330: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with eaō (to permit), meaning “to permit to go further” or specifically in nautical contexts, “to permit a ship to sail toward.” Used uniquely in Acts to describe navigational challenges during Paul’s voyage to Rome.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσεάω represents a specialized nautical term that conveys the idea of wind conditions permitting or hindering a ship’s progress. In its sole New Testament appearance in Acts 27:7, it occurs in the negative form, describing how the wind would not allow the ship to proceed on its intended course. The compound structure emphasizes both direction (pros) and permission (eaō). Early church writers often used this term metaphorically to discuss divine guidance and providence in life’s journey. Today, it serves as a reminder that even adverse circumstances in our spiritual journey remain under God’s sovereign control.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσεάω, proseaō, pros-eh-AH-oh
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘AH’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘oh’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• ἐάω (eaō) – root verb meaning “to permit, allow”
  The combination indicates permitted movement in a specific direction.

D – Defining Meanings

• To permit to proceed
• To allow to advance (nautically)
• To grant passage

For compound words:
The prefix πρός indicates directional movement, while ἐάω provides the basic meaning of permission or allowance. Together, they create a precise term for permitted directional movement.

Translation Options:

• “to allow progress” – emphasizes the permission aspect
• “to permit advance” – captures the directional nature
• “to grant forward movement” – reflects both permission and direction

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐάω (eaō, eh-AH-oh) – to permit, without directional emphasis
  See G1439
• προσπλέω (prospleō, pros-PLEH-oh) – to sail toward
  See G4331
• παραπλέω (parapleō, par-ap-LEH-oh) – to sail past
  See G3881

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσεάω shows these morphological features:

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

The imperfect tense in its New Testament usage indicates ongoing hindrance, while the active voice emphasizes the wind’s direct action in preventing progress.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its specialized nautical usage. Thayer’s notes its unique appearance in Acts. LSJ provides evidence of its broader use in maritime contexts. Vine’s connects it to other nautical terms in Acts. Strong’s highlights the compound nature affecting directional permission. LEH notes its technical nature in navigation. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in shipping documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And sailing slowly for many days, and arriving with difficulty off Cnidus, as the wind did not [προσεῶντος] permit us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. Acts 27:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσεάω, though a technical nautical term, provides a powerful metaphor for God’s sovereign direction in our lives. Just as the wind controlled the ship’s progress in Paul’s journey to Rome, God guides our paths through both favorable and challenging circumstances. The good news is that even when progress seems hindered, we can trust in God’s providential care and perfect timing.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Luke’s precise nautical terminology
2. It was a common term in ancient Mediterranean shipping documents
3. The word contributed to Luke’s reputation for accurate technical maritime vocabulary

Strong’s G4330: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with eaō (to permit), meaning “to permit to go further” or specifically in nautical contexts, “to permit a ship to sail toward.” Used uniquely in Acts to describe navigational challenges during Paul’s voyage to Rome.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: nautical-terms, navigation, permission, direction, Paul’s-voyage, Acts, maritime-language, wind, providence, sailing, compound-verb, technical-terms, Luke’s-precision, divine-guidance, Mediterranean-travel​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​