Brief Overview of προσπήγνυμι (Strong’s G4362: prospēgnymi)

Strong’s G4362: A compound verb combining πρός (to, toward) with πήγνυμι (to fasten, fix), meaning to fasten to or fix upon. Used specifically in the context of crucifixion, describing the act of fastening to the cross, emphasizing both the physical and theological significance of Christ’s death.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσπήγνυμι is a technically precise term that describes the act of fastening or fixing something firmly to another object. As a compound word, it combines πρός (toward, to) with πήγνυμι (to fasten), creating a vivid picture of permanent attachment. In its New Testament context, particularly in Acts 2:23, it carries profound theological significance as it describes the crucifixion of Jesus. The early church understood this term as emphasizing both the historical reality and the theological meaning of Christ’s death. Today, it reminds us of the concrete historical nature of Jesus’ crucifixion while pointing to its eternal significance.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσπήγνυμι, prospēgnymi, /pros-PEG-ny-mi/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + peg (as in ‘peg’) + ny (as in ‘knee’) + mi (as in ‘me’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “to, toward”
• πήγνυμι (pēgnymi) – root verb meaning “to fasten, fix”
  The combination emphasizes the act of firmly attaching one thing to another.

D – Defining Meanings

• To fasten to
• To fix upon
• To attach firmly

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds the notion of directional attachment to the base verb πήγνυμι, emphasizing the deliberate action of securing something to a specific point.

Translation Options:

1. “To fasten to” – Best captures the technical precision
2. “To fix upon” – Emphasizes the permanence of the attachment
3. “To nail to” – Specifically in crucifixion contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πήγνυμι (pēgnymi, /PEG-ny-mi/) – To fasten, fix
  See G4078
• προσηλόω (prosēloō, /pros-e-LO-ō/) – To nail to
  See G4338
• σταυρόω (stauroō, /stau-RO-ō/) – To crucify
  See G4717

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσπήγνυμι 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: προσπήγνυμι (I fasten to)
• Aorist: προσέπηξα (I fastened to)
• Perfect Passive: προσπέπηγμαι (I have been fastened to)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• πρόσπηξις (prospēxis) – noun form meaning “a fastening to”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical usage in crucifixion contexts. Thayer’s highlights its precise meaning of permanent attachment. LSJ provides examples from technical and architectural contexts. Vine’s notes its specific application to Christ’s crucifixion. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and its intensified meaning. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from construction and engineering documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you [προσπήγνυμι] crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” Acts 2:23

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσπήγνυμι powerfully conveys the physical reality of Christ’s crucifixion while pointing to its eternal significance. Its technical precision reminds us that the cross was a historical event with real nails and real suffering, yet it simultaneously points to God’s deliberate plan of salvation. The good news of King Jesus is anchored in this concrete historical reality where divine purpose met human need through Christ’s sacrificial death.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in ancient construction manuals for permanent attachments.
2. Its single New Testament use occurs in Peter’s first sermon at Pentecost.
3. Early Christian writers used it specifically to emphasize the historical reality of the crucifixion.

Strong’s G4362: A compound verb combining πρός (to, toward) with πήγνυμι (to fasten, fix), meaning to fasten to or fix upon. Used specifically in the context of crucifixion, describing the act of fastening to the cross, emphasizing both the physical and theological significance of Christ’s death.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: crucifixion, fastening, attachment, cross, sacrifice, historical reality, divine plan, salvation, suffering, redemption​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​