Brief Overview of προσηλόω (Strong’s G4338: prosēloō)

Strong’s G4338: A compound verb combining pros (to, toward) with hēloō (to nail), meaning “to nail to, fasten with nails.” Used uniquely in Colossians to describe Christ’s act of nailing the record of debt to the cross, symbolizing the complete cancellation of sin’s legal demands against believers.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσηλόω represents the physical act of nailing or fastening with nails, but carries profound theological significance in its New Testament usage. In Colossians 2:14, Paul uses this term to describe Christ’s decisive action of nailing the legal demands against us to the cross, effectively canceling our spiritual debt. The compound structure emphasizes both the permanence and completeness of the action. Early church fathers frequently employed this term when discussing Christ’s atoning work and the finality of sin’s defeat. Today, it continues to powerfully illustrate the decisive nature of Christ’s work in canceling our debt of sin.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσηλόω, prosēloō, pros-ay-LO-oh
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘LO’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘oh’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “to, toward”
• ἡλόω (hēloō) – root verb meaning “to nail”
  The combination indicates the action of nailing something to something else.

D – Defining Meanings

• To nail to
• To fasten with nails
• To affix permanently

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional focus to ἡλόω, creating the concept of nailing something to a specific location or object. The combination emphasizes permanent attachment.

Translation Options:

• “to nail to” – emphasizes the physical action
• “to fasten permanently” – captures the lasting effect
• “to affix with nails” – reflects the specific method

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πήγνυμι (pēgnumi, PAYG-noo-mi) – to fasten, fix
  See G4078
• προσπήγνυμι (prospēgnumi, pros-PAYG-noo-mi) – to fasten to
  See G4362
• σταυρόω (stauroō, stow-RO-oh) – to crucify
  See G4717

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσηλόω shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

The aorist participle indicates a completed action with lasting results, while the active voice emphasizes Christ as the agent of the action.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical use in crucifixion contexts. Thayer’s notes its literal and metaphorical applications. LSJ provides evidence of its use in construction and execution contexts. Vine’s connects it to Christ’s atoning work. Strong’s highlights the permanence implied by the compound form. LEH notes its use in contexts of permanent attachment. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in both literal and legal contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, [προσηλώσας] nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσηλόω powerfully illustrates the finality and completeness of Christ’s work on the cross. Just as a nail permanently fastens objects together, Christ’s sacrifice permanently secured our redemption by nailing our debt of sin to the cross. The good news is that our sins have been decisively dealt with through Christ’s finished work.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in relation to Christ’s atoning work
2. It was commonly used in legal contexts for posting public notices
3. The term carried strong implications of permanence and irrevocability in ancient usage

Strong’s G4338: A compound verb combining pros (to, toward) with hēloō (to nail), meaning “to nail to, fasten with nails.” Used uniquely in Colossians to describe Christ’s act of nailing the record of debt to the cross, symbolizing the complete cancellation of sin’s legal demands against believers.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: crucifixion, atonement, redemption, debt-cancellation, Christ’s-work, cross, legal-terms, compound-verb, Colossians, salvation, sin-debt, finality, permanent-action, Paul’s-epistles, forgiveness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​