Brief Overview of προσοφείλω (Strong’s G4359: prosopheilō)

Strong’s G4359: A compound verb combining πρός (in addition to) with ὀφείλω (to owe), meaning to owe in addition or besides. Used in contexts of both financial and moral obligation, particularly emphasizing additional indebtedness beyond an existing obligation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσοφείλω embodies the concept of owing something additional or having a further obligation beyond what was initially due. As a compound word, it combines πρός (in addition to) with ὀφείλω (to owe), creating a powerful expression of layered indebtedness. In its New Testament context, particularly in Philemon, Paul uses this word to illustrate spiritual and personal obligation, highlighting how our relationships in Christ create deeper levels of indebtedness to one another. The early church understood this term as reflecting the ongoing nature of Christian obligation – both to God and to fellow believers. Today, it continues to remind us that our spiritual debts go beyond mere transaction, encompassing ongoing relationship and gratitude.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσοφείλω, prosopheilō, /pros-o-FEI-lō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + o (as in ‘oh’) + FEI (as in ‘fade’) + lō (as in ‘low’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “in addition to, besides”
• ὀφείλω (opheilō) – root verb meaning “to owe, be indebted”
  The combination emphasizes owing something beyond an initial or existing debt.

D – Defining Meanings

• To owe in addition to
• To be further indebted
• To have an additional obligation

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds the notion of “additional” or “further” to the base verb ὀφείλω, creating the concept of a supplementary debt or obligation beyond what was initially owed.

Translation Options:

1. “To owe besides” – Best captures the idea of additional obligation
2. “To be further indebted” – Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the obligation
3. “To owe moreover” – Highlights the layered nature of the indebtedness

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὀφείλω (opheilō, /o-FEI-lō/) – To owe, be indebted (the simple form)
  See G3784
• προσοφειλέτης (prosopheiletēs, /pros-o-fei-LE-tēs/) – An additional debtor
  See G4358
• ἐποφείλω (epopheilō, /ep-o-FEI-lō/) – To owe upon or after
  See G2186

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσοφείλω exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Optative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προσοφείλω (I owe in addition)
• Future: προσοφειλήσω (I will owe in addition)
• Aorist: προσώφειλα (I owed in addition)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προσοφείλημα (prosopheilēma) – noun form meaning “additional debt”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in both financial and moral contexts. Thayer’s highlights its specialized meaning of additional obligation. LSJ provides examples from commercial and legal documents. Vine’s notes its significance in Paul’s letter to Philemon. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and the intensification of the basic concept of owing. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in business transactions and personal obligations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your [προσοφείλω] owing me even your own self.” Philemon 1:19

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσοφείλω beautifully captures the layers of obligation we have in Christ – not just our initial debt to God’s grace, but our ongoing indebtedness to live lives worthy of His calling. Paul’s use of this word in Philemon illustrates how the gospel creates new bonds of obligation rooted in love and gratitude. It reminds us that the good news of King Jesus transforms our understanding of obligation from mere duty to loving response.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in ancient Greek business contracts to specify additional financial obligations.
2. Paul’s use in Philemon is the only known instance where it’s applied to spiritual obligation in ancient Greek literature.
3. The concept influenced early Christian discussions about the nature of spiritual debt and gratitude.

Strong’s G4359: A compound verb combining πρός (in addition to) with ὀφείλω (to owe), meaning to owe in addition or besides. Used in contexts of both financial and moral obligation, particularly emphasizing additional indebtedness beyond an existing obligation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: debt, obligation, indebtedness, gratitude, responsibility, spiritual debt, additional obligation, moral duty, relationships, Christian duty​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​