Brief Overview of προσορμίζω (Strong’s G4358: prosormizō)
Strong’s G4358: A nautical term combining πρός (toward) with ὁρμίζω (to bring to anchor/moor), meaning to bring a ship to anchor or moor at a specific location. Used in maritime contexts to describe the intentional and careful process of bringing vessels safely to harbor.
U- Unveiling the Word
Προσορμίζω is a specialized nautical term that combines precise technical meaning with profound spiritual significance. As a compound word, it joins πρός (toward) with ὁρμίζω (to moor/anchor), creating a vivid picture of deliberately guiding a vessel to its intended destination. In its New Testament context, particularly in Mark’s Gospel, it represents not just physical anchoring but symbolically portrays Christ’s guidance of His followers to safe harbor. Early church fathers often used this imagery to describe how Christ leads His church through life’s storms to secure spiritual moorings. Today, this word continues to resonate with believers, reminding us that Jesus is our sure anchor and guide to safe harbor.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: προσορμίζω, prosormizō, /pros-or-MI-zō/
- Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + or (as in ‘or’) + MI (as in ‘me’) + zō (as in ‘zo’)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Join the coffee club to enjoy an ad-free experience and add your voice to this discussion.
Etymology:
- πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “toward, to”
- ὁρμίζω (hormizō) – root verb meaning “to bring to anchor, to moor”
The combination creates a precise term for bringing a vessel to its designated mooring place.
D – Defining Meanings
- To bring a ship to anchor
- To moor a vessel at a specific location
- To guide a boat to its harbor
For compound words:
The prefix πρός indicates directed movement toward a specific point, while ὁρμίζω contributes the technical action of mooring or anchoring. Together, they emphasize the intentional guidance of a vessel to its proper anchoring place.
Translation Options:
- “To bring to anchor” – Best captures the technical nautical meaning
- “To moor at” – Emphasizes the completion of the journey at a specific location
- “To harbor” – Reflects both the action and the sense of reaching safety
E – Exploring Similar Words
- καθορμίζω (kathormizō, /kath-or-MI-zō/) – To bring down to anchor
See G2524 - ὁρμάω (hormaō, /hor-MA-ō/) – To rush, set in motion
See G3729 - προσορμέω (proshormeō, /pros-hor-ME-ō/) – To come to anchor
See G4357
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a verb, προσορμίζω exhibits these morphological features:
- Tense: Present, Aorist
- Voice: Active, Passive
- Mood: Indicative, Participle
- Person: First, Second, Third
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)
Example morphological variations:
- Present: προσορμίζω (I bring to anchor)
- Aorist: προσώρμισα (I brought to anchor)
- Perfect Passive: προσώρμισμαι (I have been brought to anchor)
Related words in other parts of speech:
- προσόρμισις (prosormisis) – noun form meaning “anchoring, mooring”
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its technical maritime usage and its single occurrence in the New Testament. Thayer’s highlights its specialized meaning in ancient navigation. LSJ provides extensive examples from classical maritime literature. Vine’s notes its connection to safe harbor imagery in Christian teaching. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature and specific nautical application. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in commercial shipping documents.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First Appearance:
“When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and [προσορμίζω] moored to the shore.” Mark 6:53
Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Herodotus: Histories | “The Persian fleet [προσορμίζω] anchored in the sheltered bay, seeking protection from the storm.” |
| Thucydides: Peloponnesian War | “The Athenian ships [προσορμίζω] moored at the harbor of Syracuse under cover of darkness.” |
| Xenophon: Anabasis | “They [προσορμίζω] brought their vessels to anchor near the friendly port of Byzantium.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Προσορμίζω beautifully captures the image of bringing a vessel safely to harbor – a powerful metaphor for Christ’s guidance in our lives. Just as Jesus and His disciples anchored safely after crossing stormy waters, He continues to guide His church to safe harbor. This maritime term reminds us that the good news of King Jesus includes His constant guidance and protection, bringing us safely through life’s storms to our eternal haven in Him.
D – Did You Know?
- Προσορμίζω was a highly technical term used in ancient maritime insurance documents.
- The word appears in ancient harbor regulations describing proper mooring procedures.
- Early Christian art often depicted this word’s concept through images of ships reaching safe harbor.
Strong’s G4358: A specialized nautical term combining πρός (toward) with ὁρμίζω (to anchor/moor), meaning to bring a ship to anchor or moor at a specific location. Used in maritime contexts to describe the intentional and careful process of bringing vessels safely to harbor.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: nautical, anchoring, mooring, maritime, safety, harbor, guidance, journey, destination, protection
This page is made possible by the generosity of coffee club members. Your support keeps spiritual truth free and ad-free for all seekers of wisdom. Thank you and I would like to pray this blessing on you.