Brief Overview of προσρήσσω (Strong’s G4366: prosrēssō)

Strong’s G4366: A compound verb combining πρός (against) with ῥήσσω (to break, burst), meaning to dash against or break upon with force. Used specifically in contexts of violent impact, particularly of flood waters against structures, illustrating testing of foundations through trials.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσρήσσω conveys the intense force of something breaking or dashing against an object. As a compound word, it joins πρός (against) with ῥήσσω (to break), creating a vivid picture of violent collision or impact. In its New Testament context, particularly in Luke’s Gospel, it describes the force of flood waters breaking against a house, serving as a powerful metaphor for life’s trials testing the foundation of one’s faith. The early church understood this term as illustrating the inevitable challenges to Christian faith and the importance of building on solid spiritual foundations. Today, it continues to remind us that our faith will face testing through various trials.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσρήσσω, prosrēssō, /pros-RES-sō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + res (as in ‘rest’) + sō (as in ‘so’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “against”
• ῥήσσω (rēssō) – root verb meaning “to break, burst”
  The combination emphasizes forceful impact against something.

D – Defining Meanings

• To dash against
• To break upon
• To burst against with force

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional force to the base verb ῥήσσω, emphasizing the violent nature of the impact against a specific target.

Translation Options:

1. “To break against” – Best captures the forceful impact
2. “To dash against” – Emphasizes the violent nature of the collision
3. “To burst upon” – Highlights the sudden, forceful nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προσκόπτω (proskoptō, /pros-KOP-tō/) – To strike against
  See G4350
• προσκρούω (proskrouō, /pros-KROU-ō/) – To strike against
  See G4351
• συρρήγνυμι (syrrēgnymi, /syr-REG-ny-mi/) – To break in pieces
  See G4766

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσρήσσω exhibits these morphological features:

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

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προσρήσσω (I dash against)
• Aorist: προσέρρηξα (I dashed against)
• Present Participle: προσρήσσων (dashing against)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• πρόσρηξις (prosrēxis) – noun form meaning “a breaking against”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing violent natural forces. Thayer’s notes its metaphorical application to spiritual testing. LSJ provides examples from classical literature describing destructive impacts. Vine’s highlights its use in Christ’s parable. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and forceful meaning. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from maritime contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“When a flood arose, the stream [προσρήσσω] broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” Luke 6:48

Additional References:
Luke 6:49

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσρήσσω powerfully illustrates how our faith will be tested by life’s trials. Just as a house’s foundation is revealed by flood waters breaking against it, our spiritual foundation in Christ is proven through difficulties. The good news of King Jesus promises not the absence of storms, but the security of a foundation that withstands them.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in ancient engineering texts discussing structural integrity.
2. It appears in maritime literature describing the force of waves against ships.
3. Early Christian writers used it to describe spiritual warfare against believers.

Strong’s G4366: A compound verb combining πρός (against) with ῥήσσω (to break, burst), meaning to dash against or break upon with force. Used specifically in contexts of violent impact, particularly of flood waters against structures, illustrating testing of foundations through trials.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: impact, testing, trials, foundation, strength, endurance, force, collision, spiritual warfare, resilience​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​