Brief Overview of προσκεφάλαιον (Strong’s G4344: proskephalaion)

Strong’s G4344: A compound noun combining pros (toward, for) with kephalē (head), meaning “pillow, cushion.” Used uniquely in Mark’s Gospel to describe Jesus sleeping on a cushion during the storm, providing a vivid detail of His humanity and the reality of His physical exhaustion in ministry.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσκεφάλαιον represents a physical cushion or pillow, but carries deeper significance in its New Testament context. Its appearance in Mark’s account of Jesus sleeping during the storm provides an intimate glimpse of His human nature and physical needs. The compound structure emphasizes its purpose for supporting the head. Early church fathers often referenced this detail when discussing Christ’s full humanity. Today, it serves as a reminder of both Christ’s genuine human experience and His perfect trust in divine sovereignty even during apparent crisis.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσκεφάλαιον, proskephalaion, pros-kef-AL-ai-on
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘AL’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘on’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “for, toward”
• κεφαλή (kephalē) – noun meaning “head”
• -αιον (-aion) – suffix forming diminutives or objects
  The combination indicates an object for supporting the head.

D – Defining Meanings

• Pillow
• Cushion
• Head rest

For compound words:
The prefix πρός indicates purpose, κεφαλή provides the focus on the head, and the suffix -αιον forms it into an object, creating the concept of a head support.

Translation Options:

• “cushion” – emphasizes general comfort
• “pillow” – specifies head support
• “headrest” – captures the specific purpose

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κλίνη (klinē, KLEE-nay) – bed, couch
  See G2825
• στρῶμα (strōma, STROH-ma) – bed covering
  See G4766
• ἀνάκειμαι (anakeimai, an-AK-ei-mai) – to recline
  See G345

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, προσκεφάλαιον shows these features:

• Case: Nominative, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples in context:

• Nominative: τὸ προσκεφάλαιον (the cushion)
• Genitive: τοῦ προσκεφαλαίου (of the cushion)
• Dative: τῷ προσκεφαλαίῳ (on the cushion)
• Accusative: τὸ προσκεφάλαιον (the cushion)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its practical use in daily life. Thayer’s notes its specific appearance in Mark. LSJ provides evidence of its common usage in household contexts. Vine’s connects it to Jesus’ humanity. Strong’s highlights its compound structure. LEH notes similar usage in secular Greek. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in household inventories.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
But he was in the stern, asleep on the [προσκεφάλαιον] cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:38

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσκεφάλαιον, though a simple household item, provides a powerful glimpse into Christ’s humanity and trust in God. The detail of Jesus sleeping peacefully during the storm reveals both His genuine human needs and His perfect peace in the Father’s care. The good news is that our fully human, fully divine Savior understands our physical needs while demonstrating perfect trust in divine providence.

D – Did You Know?

1. Mark is known for including such vivid physical details that other Gospel writers omit
2. Ship cushions were standard equipment on ancient fishing boats
3. The word appears in ancient shipping inventories as essential equipment

Strong’s G4344: A compound noun combining pros (toward, for) with kephalē (head), meaning “pillow, cushion.” Used uniquely in Mark’s Gospel to describe Jesus sleeping on a cushion during the storm, providing a vivid detail of His humanity and the reality of His physical exhaustion in ministry.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: cushion, pillow, Jesus-humanity, Mark’s-Gospel, storm-narrative, physical-details, boat-equipment, compound-noun, daily-life, maritime-terms, Jesus-rest, divine-trust, human-needs, Mark’s-details, physical-objects​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​