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G4345 (προσκληρόω)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4345
Original Word: προσκληρόω
Transliteration: prosklēróō
Pronunciation: pros-klay-ro'-o
Part of Speech: verb
Root / Etymology: from G4314 (πρός) and G2820 (κληρόω);
Frequency: 1×
Gematria: 1478

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 to give a common lot to, i.e. (figuratively) to associate with

consort with

from G4314 (πρός) and G2820 (κληρόω);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4345: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with klēroō (to allot, assign), meaning "to assign by lot to, join oneself to." Used uniquely in Acts to describe people being divinely joined to Paul's ministry, emphasizing both divine sovereignty and human response in conversion.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσκληρόω represents divine allocation or assignment, particularly in the context of joining believers to the community of faith. In Acts, it describes the response to Paul's preaching in Thessalonica, where people were "assigned" or "joined" to Paul and Silas. The compound structure suggests both divine initiative and personal association. Early church fathers often used this term to discuss God's sovereign work in drawing people to faith while acknowledging human response. Today, it continues to illustrate the divine-human dynamic in conversion and church fellowship.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: προσκληρόω, prosklēroō, pros-klay-RO-oh
Pronunciation: Emphasis on 'RO', with 'pros' quickly spoken, 'oh' unstressed
Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

πρός (pros) - prefix meaning "toward"
κληρόω (klēroō) - root verb meaning "to assign by lot"
The combination indicates assignment or allocation toward something.

D - Defining Meanings

To be assigned to
To join oneself to
To be allotted to

For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional focus to κληρόω, creating the concept of being assigned or allotted specifically to someone or something.

Translation Options:

"to be joined to" - emphasizes relationship
"to be assigned to" - captures divine initiative
"to be allotted to" - reflects providential placement

E - Exploring Similar Words

κολλάω (kollaō, kol-LAH-oh) - to join oneself to
See G2853
προστίθημι (prostithēmi, pros-TI-thay-mi) - to add to
See G4369
συνάπτω (sunaptō, soon-AP-toh) - to join together
See G4801

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

As a verb, προσκληρόω shows these morphological features:

Tense: Aorist
Voice: Passive
Mood: Indicative
Person: 3rd
Number: Plural
Aspect: Punctiliar

The passive voice emphasizes divine initiative, while the aorist aspect indicates a specific point of joining.

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S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its unique usage in Acts. Thayer's notes its connection to divine assignment. LSJ provides evidence of its use in administrative contexts. Vine's connects it to divine calling. Strong's highlights the compound nature affecting allocation. LEH notes its rarity in biblical Greek. Moulton and Milligan cite limited papyri evidence.

T - Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And some of them were persuaded and [προσεκληρώθησαν] joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. Acts 17:4

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Lucian: Dialogues	The followers [προσκληρόω] were assigned to their teachers
Plutarch: Lives	The soldiers [προσκληρόω] were allotted to their commanders
Philo: Embassy	The people [προσκληρόω] were joined to the assembly

N - Noteworthy Summary

Προσκληρόω beautifully captures both divine sovereignty and human response in conversion. Just as Paul's hearers were divinely joined to the fellowship of believers, God continues to draw people to Himself through the gospel. The good news is that God sovereignly works to bring people into His family while respecting their response of faith.

D - Did You Know?

The word appears at a crucial turning point in Paul's missionary journey
It combines concepts of divine allocation with voluntary association
Early church writers used it to explain both God's initiative and human response in conversion

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: divine-assignment, joining, conversion, Paul's-ministry, Acts, missionary-work, divine-sovereignty, human-response, compound-verb, church-growth, divine-initiative, fellowship, Thessalonica, evangelism, church-membership

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