Brief Overview of πρόσχυσις (Strong’s G4378: proschysis)

Strong’s G4378: A compound noun combining πρός (toward, upon) with χέω (to pour), meaning a pouring upon or sprinkling. Used specifically in reference to the Passover blood sprinkling, symbolizing divine protection and covenant relationship through sacrificial blood.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πρόσχυσις represents the act of pouring or sprinkling upon something. As a compound word, it joins πρός (toward/upon) with χέω (to pour), creating a vivid picture of deliberate application of liquid, particularly blood in ritual contexts. In its sole New Testament appearance in Hebrews 11:28, it specifically refers to the sprinkling of blood during the first Passover. The early church understood this term as foreshadowing Christ’s blood and its protective, cleansing power. Today, it continues to remind us of the power of Christ’s blood in establishing and maintaining our covenant relationship with God.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρόσχυσις, proschysis, /PROS-khy-sis/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + khy (as in ‘key’) + sis (as in ‘cease’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “toward, upon”
• χέω (cheō) – root verb meaning “to pour”
• -σις (-sis) – noun suffix indicating action
  The combination describes the action of pouring or sprinkling upon.

D – Defining Meanings

• A pouring upon
• A sprinkling
• Ritual application of liquid

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional force to the root χέω, while the suffix -σις makes it a noun describing the action of pouring or sprinkling.

Translation Options:

1. “Sprinkling” – Best captures ritual context
2. “Pouring upon” – Emphasizes directional application
3. “Application” – Broader term for ritual context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ῥαντισμός (rhantismos, /ran-tis-MOS/) – Sprinkling
  See G4473
• ἐκχύνω (ekchynō, /ek-KHY-nō/) – To pour out
  See G1632
• βάπτισμα (baptisma, /BAP-tis-ma/) – Baptism, immersion
  See G908

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun, πρόσχυσις exhibits these morphological features:

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

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: πρόσχυσις
• Genitive singular: προσχύσεως
• Dative singular: προσχύσει
• Accusative singular: πρόσχυσιν

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προσχέω (proscheō) – verb form meaning “to pour upon”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its ritual significance. Thayer’s notes its specific reference to Passover blood. LSJ provides examples from religious contexts. Vine’s highlights its connection to covenant protection. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and ceremonial use. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from religious documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“By faith he kept the Passover and the [πρόσχυσις] sprinkling of blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.” Hebrews 11:28

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πρόσχυσις powerfully connects the Passover blood with Christ’s sacrifice. As the blood protected Israel’s firstborn, Christ’s blood marks and protects His people. The good news of King Jesus includes the perfect fulfillment of this ancient ritual through His once-for-all sacrifice.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears in ancient Jewish ritual texts describing Temple ceremonies.
2. Early Christian art often depicted the Passover sprinkling as a type of Christ’s blood.
3. The term influenced early Christian baptismal terminology.

Strong’s G4378: A compound noun combining πρός (toward, upon) with χέω (to pour), meaning a pouring upon or sprinkling. Used specifically in reference to the Passover blood sprinkling, symbolizing divine protection and covenant relationship through sacrificial blood.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: sprinkling, Passover, blood, sacrifice, ritual, protection, covenant, ceremony, purification, application​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​