Brief Overview of προσψαύω (Strong’s G4379: prospsauō)

Strong’s G4379: A compound verb combining πρός (toward) with ψαύω (to touch), meaning to touch lightly or to handle. Used metaphorically in Jesus’ criticism of religious leaders who wouldn’t “touch” the burdens they placed on others, emphasizing their lack of practical engagement with their own requirements.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσψαύω represents the act of light touching or handling. As a compound word, it joins πρός (toward) with ψαύω (to touch), creating a term for intentional but gentle contact. In its sole New Testament appearance in Luke 11:46, Jesus uses it ironically to rebuke religious leaders who refuse to “touch” the burdens they place on others. The early church understood this term as highlighting the disconnect between religious demands and practical assistance. Today, it continues to challenge believers about the alignment between their teachings and their willingness to help others.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσψαύω, prospsauō, /pros-PSAU-ō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + psau (as in ‘psalm’) + ō (as in ‘oh’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “toward”
• ψαύω (psauō) – root verb meaning “to touch”
  The combination emphasizes directed, intentional touching.

D – Defining Meanings

• To touch lightly
• To handle gently
• To make contact with

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional intent to the base verb ψαύω, emphasizing purposeful movement toward contact.

Translation Options:

1. “To touch” – Best captures basic meaning
2. “To handle” – Emphasizes intentional contact
3. “To lift with” – Contextual meaning in Luke 11:46

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἅπτομαι (haptomai, /HAP-to-mai/) – To touch, handle
  See G680
• θιγγάνω (thigganō, /thin-GA-nō/) – To touch, handle
  See G2345
• ψηλαφάω (psēlaphaō, /psē-la-FA-ō/) – To feel, handle
  See G5584

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσψαύω exhibits these morphological features:

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

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προσψαύω (I touch)
• Aorist: προσέψαυσα (I touched)
• Present Participle: προσψαύων (touching)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• πρόσψαυσις (prospsausis) – noun form meaning “a touching”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical use in Luke. Thayer’s notes its gentle nature of contact. LSJ provides examples from medical contexts. Vine’s highlights its critical usage in Jesus’ rebuke. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and intentional contact. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from everyday usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And he said, ‘Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not [προσψαύω] touch the burdens with one of your fingers.'” Luke 11:46

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσψαύω powerfully exposes the gap between religious demands and practical help. Jesus uses this word to challenge religious hypocrisy, reminding us that the good news of King Jesus involves not just teaching but active engagement with others’ needs. It calls us to match our words with practical assistance.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in medical texts for gentle examination.
2. It appears in ancient cooking instructions for delicate food handling.
3. Early Christian writers used it to discuss proper pastoral care.

Strong’s G4379: A compound verb combining πρός (toward) with ψαύω (to touch), meaning to touch lightly or to handle. Used metaphorically in Jesus’ criticism of religious leaders who wouldn’t “touch” the burdens they placed on others, emphasizing their lack of practical engagement.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: touch, handling, contact, practical help, religious hypocrisy, burden-bearing, assistance, engagement, care, responsibility​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​