Brief Overview of προσκαρτέρησις (Strong’s G4343: proskarterēsis)

Strong’s G4343: A noun derived from προσκαρτερέω, combining pros (toward) with karterēsis (steadfastness), meaning “perseverance, persistent continuance.” Used uniquely in Ephesians to describe the persistent devotion needed in prayer, emphasizing unwavering spiritual commitment.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσκαρτέρησις represents steadfast persistence and unwavering devotion, particularly in prayer and spiritual disciplines. Its single New Testament appearance in Ephesians 6:18 occurs in the context of spiritual warfare, where Paul emphasizes the necessity of persistent prayer. The noun form captures the quality or state of devoted persistence rather than just the action. Early church fathers often referenced this term when discussing the essential character of Christian prayer life. Today, it continues to express the vital importance of unwavering commitment in spiritual disciplines, especially prayer.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσκαρτέρησις, proskarterēsis, pros-kar-TER-ay-sis
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘TER’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘sis’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• καρτερέω (kartereō) – verb meaning “to be steadfast”
• -σις (-sis) – suffix forming abstract nouns
  The combination forms a noun expressing the quality of steadfast persistence.

D – Defining Meanings

• Perseverance
• Steadfast continuance
• Persistent devotion

For compound words:
The prefix πρός with καρτερέω creates the concept of directed steadfastness, while the -σις suffix transforms it into an abstract quality rather than just an action.

Translation Options:

• “perseverance” – emphasizes the quality of persistence
• “steadfast devotion” – captures the dedication aspect
• “unwavering persistence” – reflects both consistency and intensity

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑπομονή (hupomonē, hoo-po-mo-NAY) – endurance, patience
  See G5281
• προσκαρτερέω (proskartereō, pros-kar-ter-EH-oh) – to persist
  See G4342
• ἐπιμονή (epimonē, ep-i-mo-NAY) – continuance
  See G1961

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, προσκαρτέρησις shows these features:

• Case: Dative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

The word follows third declension patterns:

• Nominative: προσκαρτέρησις
• Genitive: προσκαρτερήσεως
• Dative: προσκαρτερήσει
• Accusative: προσκαρτέρησιν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its unique usage in prayer contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to steadfast continuance. LSJ provides limited evidence of secular usage. Vine’s connects it to unwavering devotion. Strong’s highlights its relationship to προσκαρτερέω. LEH notes its rarity in biblical Greek. Moulton and Milligan cite minimal papyri evidence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all [προσκαρτερήσει] perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσκαρτέρησις powerfully captures the essence of Christian devotion, particularly in prayer. Its appearance in Ephesians’ spiritual warfare passage reminds us that persistent prayer is essential for spiritual victory. The good news is that Christ empowers such steadfast devotion through His Spirit, enabling us to persist in prayer and spiritual warfare.

D – Did You Know?

1. This is one of the rarest words in the New Testament, appearing only once
2. It’s specifically connected to prayer in its biblical usage
3. Early Christian writers adopted it as a technical term for prayer perseverance

Strong’s G4343: A noun derived from προσκαρτερέω, combining pros (toward) with karterēsis (steadfastness), meaning “perseverance, persistent continuance.” Used uniquely in Ephesians to describe the persistent devotion needed in prayer, emphasizing unwavering spiritual commitment.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: perseverance, prayer, steadfastness, devotion, spiritual-warfare, Ephesians, persistence, commitment, prayer-life, spiritual-disciplines, unwavering-faith, Christian-character, endurance, spiritual-commitment, Paul’s-teaching​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​