Brief Overview of προσφορά (Strong’s G4376: prosphora)

Strong’s G4376: A noun derived from προσφέρω (to bring, offer), meaning offering or sacrifice. Used in both Jewish ritual contexts and Christian theology to describe sacrificial offerings, particularly emphasizing Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice and believers’ spiritual offerings.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσφορά represents the act or result of bringing something to God as an offering. Derived from προσφέρω (to bring/offer), it encompasses both material sacrifices in Jewish worship and spiritual offerings in Christian practice. In the New Testament, it bridges Old Testament sacrificial system and Christ’s perfect sacrifice, appearing in both ritual contexts (Acts) and theological discourse (Hebrews). The early church understood this term as pointing to Christ’s supreme offering while also describing believers’ spiritual sacrifices. Today, it continues to remind us of both Christ’s completed work and our ongoing spiritual offerings.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσφορά, prosphora, /pros-fo-RA/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + fo (as in ‘for’) + ra (as in ‘raw’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• προσφέρω (prospherō) – verb meaning “to bring, offer”
• -α (-a) – feminine noun suffix
  Derived from πρός (toward) + φέρω (to bear)

D – Defining Meanings

• An offering
• A sacrifice
• A presentation to God

For compound words:
Though not itself compound, it derives from the compound verb προσφέρω, where πρός indicates direction toward and φέρω contributes the concept of bearing or bringing.

Translation Options:

1. “Offering” – Best captures both ritual and spiritual aspects
2. “Sacrifice” – Emphasizes the sacrificial nature
3. “Oblation” – Formal term highlighting religious dedication

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θυσία (thysia, /thy-SI-a/) – Sacrifice
  See G2378
• δῶρον (dōron, /DO-ron/) – Gift, offering
  See G1435
• λατρεία (latreia, /la-TREI-a/) – Service, worship
  See G2999

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun, προσφορά exhibits these morphological features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: προσφορά
• Genitive singular: προσφορᾶς
• Dative singular: προσφορᾷ
• Accusative singular: προσφοράν

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προσφέρω (prospherō) – verb meaning “to offer”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in both ritual and spiritual contexts. Thayer’s notes its development from Jewish to Christian usage. LSJ provides examples from sacrificial contexts. Vine’s highlights its significance in Hebrews’ theology. Strong’s emphasizes its derivation from προσφέρω. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from religious documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the [προσφορά] offering would be offered for each one of them.” Acts 21:26

Additional References:
Acts 24:17
Romans 15:16
Ephesians 5:2
Hebrews 10:5
Hebrews 10:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσφορά beautifully bridges the gap between Old Testament sacrifices and Christ’s perfect offering. It reminds us that while animal sacrifices are no longer needed, we still bring spiritual offerings to God through Christ. The good news of King Jesus centers on His perfect προσφορά, which enables our own offerings of praise and service.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears prominently in ancient temple donation records.
2. Early Christian liturgies used this term for the Eucharistic offering.
3. It influenced the development of Christian vocabulary for worship.

Strong’s G4376: A noun derived from προσφέρω (to bring, offer), meaning offering or sacrifice. Used in both Jewish ritual contexts and Christian theology to describe sacrificial offerings, particularly emphasizing Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice and believers’ spiritual offerings.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: offering, sacrifice, worship, dedication, ritual, Christ’s sacrifice, spiritual service, temple, dedication, oblation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​