Brief Overview of προσκληρόω (Strong’s G4345: prosklēroō)

Strong’s G4345: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with klēroō (to allot, assign), meaning “to assign by lot to, join oneself to.” Used uniquely in Acts to describe people being divinely joined to Paul’s ministry, emphasizing both divine sovereignty and human response in conversion.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσκληρόω represents divine allocation or assignment, particularly in the context of joining believers to the community of faith. In Acts, it describes the response to Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica, where people were “assigned” or “joined” to Paul and Silas. The compound structure suggests both divine initiative and personal association. Early church fathers often used this term to discuss God’s sovereign work in drawing people to faith while acknowledging human response. Today, it continues to illustrate the divine-human dynamic in conversion and church fellowship.

Save 20% with code – FOG20

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσκληρόω, prosklēroō, pros-klay-RO-oh
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘RO’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘oh’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• κληρόω (klēroō) – root verb meaning “to assign by lot”
  The combination indicates assignment or allocation toward something.

D – Defining Meanings

• To be assigned to
• To join oneself to
• To be allotted to

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional focus to κληρόω, creating the concept of being assigned or allotted specifically to someone or something.

Translation Options:

• “to be joined to” – emphasizes relationship
• “to be assigned to” – captures divine initiative
• “to be allotted to” – reflects providential placement

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κολλάω (kollaō, kol-LAH-oh) – to join oneself to
  See G2853
• προστίθημι (prostithēmi, pros-TI-thay-mi) – to add to
  See G4369
• συνάπτω (sunaptō, soon-AP-toh) – to join together
  See G4801

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσκληρόω shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar

The passive voice emphasizes divine initiative, while the aorist aspect indicates a specific point of joining.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its unique usage in Acts. Thayer’s notes its connection to divine assignment. LSJ provides evidence of its use in administrative contexts. Vine’s connects it to divine calling. Strong’s highlights the compound nature affecting allocation. LEH notes its rarity in biblical Greek. Moulton and Milligan cite limited papyri evidence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And some of them were persuaded and [προσεκληρώθησαν] joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. Acts 17:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσκληρόω beautifully captures both divine sovereignty and human response in conversion. Just as Paul’s hearers were divinely joined to the fellowship of believers, God continues to draw people to Himself through the gospel. The good news is that God sovereignly works to bring people into His family while respecting their response of faith.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears at a crucial turning point in Paul’s missionary journey
2. It combines concepts of divine allocation with voluntary association
3. Early church writers used it to explain both God’s initiative and human response in conversion

Strong’s G4345: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with klēroō (to allot, assign), meaning “to assign by lot to, join oneself to.” Used uniquely in Acts to describe people being divinely joined to Paul’s ministry, emphasizing both divine sovereignty and human response in conversion.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: divine-assignment, joining, conversion, Paul’s-ministry, Acts, missionary-work, divine-sovereignty, human-response, compound-verb, church-growth, divine-initiative, fellowship, Thessalonica, evangelism, church-membership​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​