Brief Overview of προσκολλάω (Strong’s G4347: proskollaō)

Strong’s G4347: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with kollaō (to glue, join), meaning “to glue to, join firmly to.” Used in marriage contexts to describe the profound unity between husband and wife, and metaphorically for spiritual union with Christ and His church.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσκολλάω represents the concept of being firmly joined or bonded together. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’ teaching about marriage, quoting Genesis 2:24, and in discussions of spiritual unity. The compound structure emphasizes both direction and permanence in joining. Early church fathers used this term to discuss both marital bonds and the believer’s union with Christ. Today, it continues to express both the sacred nature of marriage and the intimate spiritual union between Christ and His church.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσκολλάω, proskollaō, pros-kol-LAH-oh
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘LAH’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘oh’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• κολλάω (kollaō) – root verb meaning “to glue, join”
  The combination indicates firm attachment or bonding to something.

D – Defining Meanings

• To join firmly to
• To cleave to
• To be united with

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional force to κολλάω, creating the concept of determined movement toward permanent union.

Translation Options:

• “to be joined to” – emphasizes permanent union
• “to cleave to” – captures devotional aspect
• “to bond with” – reflects intimate connection

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κολλάω (kollaō, kol-LAH-oh) – to join, without directional emphasis
  See G2853
• συνάπτω (sunaptō, soon-AP-toh) – to join together
  See G4801
• ἑνόω (henoō, hen-OH-oh) – to make one
  See G1762

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσκολλάω shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Future, Passive
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar

The passive voice emphasizes receiving the action of being joined, while the future indicates the ongoing nature of the union.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in marriage contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to permanent union. LSJ provides evidence of its use in binding agreements. Vine’s connects it to covenant relationships. Strong’s highlights the compound nature affecting permanence. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint for marriage. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in legal bonds.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and [προσκολληθήσεται] hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Matthew 19:5

Additional References:
Mark 10:7
Ephesians 5:31
Acts 5:36

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσκολλάω beautifully captures both the sacred bond of marriage and our spiritual union with Christ. Just as husband and wife are joined in permanent union, believers are united with Christ in an unbreakable bond. The good news is that through Christ, we experience the deepest possible relationship with God.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears in both Jesus’ and Paul’s teachings about marriage
2. It’s used in the Septuagint’s translation of Genesis 2:24
3. Early church writers used it to describe both marriage and spiritual unity

Strong’s G4347: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with kollaō (to glue, join), meaning “to glue to, join firmly to.” Used in marriage contexts to describe the profound unity between husband and wife, and metaphorically for spiritual union with Christ and His church.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: marriage, unity, joining, spiritual-union, Christ-and-church, compound-verb, covenant, relationship, permanence, bonding, Jesus-teaching, Paul’s-teaching, Genesis-quotation, marital-unity, spiritual-intimacy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​