Brief Overview of προσπορεύομαι (Strong’s G4365: prosporeuomai)

Strong’s G4365: A compound verb combining πρός (toward) with πορεύομαι (to go, travel), meaning to come near to, approach, or draw near to someone. Used particularly of intentional approaches to authority figures, often carrying connotations of purpose or expectation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσπορεύομαι describes the act of intentionally approaching or drawing near to someone. As a compound word, it joins πρός (toward) with πορεύομαι (to go/journey), creating a vivid picture of purposeful movement toward someone, typically of significance. In its New Testament context, particularly in Mark’s Gospel, it describes James and John’s approach to Jesus with their ambitious request. The early church understood this term as reflecting both the privilege and responsibility of approaching Christ. Today, it reminds us of the accessibility of Jesus while maintaining reverence for His authority.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσπορεύομαι, prosporeuomai, /pros-po-REU-o-mai/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + po (as in ‘po’) + REU (as in ‘review’) + o (as in ‘oh’) + mai (as in ‘my’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “toward, to”
• πορεύομαι (poreuomai) – root verb meaning “to go, journey”
  The combination emphasizes intentional movement toward someone.

D – Defining Meanings

• To come near to
• To approach
• To draw near with purpose

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional intent to the base verb πορεύομαι, emphasizing movement specifically toward someone or something with purpose.

Translation Options:

1. “To approach” – Best captures the intentional movement
2. “To come to” – Emphasizes the completion of movement
3. “To draw near to” – Highlights the relational aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐγγίζω (engizō, /en-GI-zō/) – To come near, approach
  See G1448
• προσέρχομαι (proserchomai, /pro-SER-kho-mai/) – To come toward
  See G4334
• πλησιάζω (plēsiazō, /plē-si-A-zō/) – To come near, approach
  See G4331

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσπορεύομαι exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Deponent (Middle/Passive form, Active meaning)
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present)

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προσπορεύομαι (I approach)
• Imperfect: προσεπορευόμην (I was approaching)
• Present Participle: προσπορευόμενος (approaching)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προσπόρευσις (prosporeusis) – noun form meaning “an approach”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of approaching authority figures. Thayer’s notes its implication of purpose in the approach. LSJ provides examples from classical literature showing formal approaches. Vine’s highlights its single New Testament usage. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and intentional movement. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri showing approaches to officials.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, [προσπορεύομαι] came up to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.'” Mark 10:35

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσπορεύομαι beautifully captures the privilege and responsibility of approaching Jesus. While James and John’s approach was marked by ambition, the word reminds us that Christ remains approachable yet deserving of reverence. The good news of King Jesus includes His accessibility to all who come to Him, though we should approach with humility rather than selfish ambition.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in administrative contexts for formal approaches to officials.
2. Its single New Testament use occurs in a context of misguided ambition.
3. Early Christian writers used it to discuss proper attitudes in approaching Christ in prayer.

Strong’s G4365: A compound verb combining πρός (toward) with πορεύομαι (to go, travel), meaning to come near to, approach, or draw near to someone. Used particularly of intentional approaches to authority figures, often carrying connotations of purpose or expectation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: approach, coming near, drawing near, intentional movement, authority, purpose, accessibility, reverence, petition, formal approach​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​