G4344
προσκεφάλαιον
something for the head, i.e. a cushion
Transliteration
proskephálaionPronunciation
(pros-kef-al'-ahee-on)Everything you need to know.
of Completion
This certifies that
Is on track to complete the Bible for the 1st time in 240 days.
Paul's Handkerchief is Bible study with a difference — going word-by-word through Scripture to reclaim the Ancient Near East context, romance, and mystery that modern translations often leave behind.
Only about 3% of people around the world who start the Bible ever finish it. The 3% Club is for those ready to break that cycle — reading the entire Bible at their own pace, backed by community and tools built to make finishing not just possible, but inevitable. You also get a certificate to celebrate your achievement.
Bible Cafe isn't just Bible study — it's a personal, intimate conversation with Him. Think less classroom, more kitchen table. It combines the original Coffee with Jesus experience with activities like quizzes, crosswords, journaling and more, all designed to let the Word shape your heart, not just your head.
Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G Bible Project exists to change that — three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Bible, and F.O.G Jr. for younger readers), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance restoring the depths most translations leave behind. It is Jean Paul's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.
Jean Paul Joseph is the lead editor of the F.O.G Bible Project. He works from a personal encounter with Jesus first, then draws on the scholarship of respected Jewish and Christian scholars — because the church was Jewish before it was anything else, and those roots change everything about how you read Scripture.
Simply create an account and choose your preferred Bible and reading style. The app will track your progress and help keep you accountable to the rhythm of daily Scripture engagement.
something for the head, i.e. a cushion
προσκεφάλαιον(proskephálaion)
Strong’s Definition
something for the head, i.e. a cushion
neuter of a presumed compound of G4314 (πρός) and G2776 (κεφαλή);
“And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Strong's G4344: A compound noun combining pros (toward, for) with kephalē (head), meaning "pillow, cushion." Used uniquely in Mark's Gospel to describe Jesus sleeping on a cushion during the storm, providing a vivid detail of His humanity and the reality of His physical exhaustion in ministry.
U- Unveiling the Word
Προσκεφάλαιον represents a physical cushion or pillow, but carries deeper significance in its New Testament context. Its appearance in Mark's account of Jesus sleeping during the storm provides an intimate glimpse of His human nature and physical needs. The compound structure emphasizes its purpose for supporting the head. Early church fathers often referenced this detail when discussing Christ's full humanity. Today, it serves as a reminder of both Christ's genuine human experience and His perfect trust in divine sovereignty even during apparent crisis.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
The combination indicates an object for supporting the head.
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
The prefix πρός indicates purpose, κεφαλή provides the focus on the head, and the suffix -αιον forms it into an object, creating the concept of a head support.
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
See G2825
See G4766
See G345
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
As a noun, προσκεφάλαιον shows these features:
Examples in context:
Send a Gift
This website is 100% donor-funded. Your generosity allows someone else to access this content for free.
Give a gift of $100 to sponsor a verse or page of your choice.
S - Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its practical use in daily life. Thayer's notes its specific appearance in Mark. LSJ provides evidence of its common usage in household contexts. Vine's connects it to Jesus' humanity. Strong's highlights its compound structure. LEH notes similar usage in secular Greek. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in household inventories.
T - Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
But he was in the stern, asleep on the [προσκεφάλαιον] cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Mark 4:38
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
Προσκεφάλαιον, though a simple household item, provides a powerful glimpse into Christ's humanity and trust in God. The detail of Jesus sleeping peacefully during the storm reveals both His genuine human needs and His perfect peace in the Father's care. The good news is that our fully human, fully divine Savior understands our physical needs while demonstrating perfect trust in divine providence.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G4344: A compound noun combining pros (toward, for) with kephalē (head), meaning "pillow, cushion." Used uniquely in Mark's Gospel to describe Jesus sleeping on a cushion during the storm, providing a vivid detail of His humanity and the reality of His physical exhaustion in ministry.
Part of speech: Noun
Tags: cushion, pillow, Jesus-humanity, Mark's-Gospel, storm-narrative, physical-details, boat-equipment, compound-noun, daily-life, maritime-terms, Jesus-rest, divine-trust, human-needs, Mark's-details, physical-objects