προσάγω (prosagō)
prosagō
to bring near
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prosagō means to bring someone or something near, often with a sense of leading them into a specific place or presence. In the New Testament, it appears in four verses, primarily in Acts and 1 Peter, carrying both literal and metaphorical weight. For instance, in Acts 16:20, Roman officials are described as bringing Paul and Silas before the authorities, illustrating its forensic use to summon someone for judgment.
Its meaning extends beyond physical proximity to spiritual access. In 1 Peter 3:18, Christ is said to have been put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, having gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities and powers having been subjected to Him. The text implies He has brought believers near to God, opening a way of access that was previously closed. This usage highlights its theological significance as a bridge between humanity and the divine.
The word’s root combines pros- (toward) and agō (to lead), emphasizing direction and purpose. While it can describe approaching land at sea (Acts 27:27), its most profound application is in describing how Christ mediates access to God. Translators often render it as "bring near" or "lead," capturing the active role of one party facilitating another’s approach.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word προσὼγω (prosagō) carries the simple yet profound idea of bringing someone near. It is not merely about moving closer in distance, but about being led into a specific presence or place. In everyday life, this might look like a guide leading a traveler to safety, or an official summoning someone for judgment. The word emphasizes direction and purpose; there is always a destination and a guide involved.
For your faith, this term offers deep comfort. It reminds us that we do not have to navigate the path to God alone. In 1 Peter 3:18, we see Christ acting as that guide, having suffered to bring us near to God. This is an active work of mediation. He bridges the gap between our human condition and the divine presence, ensuring that access is open and secure.
Whether you feel distant or drawn close, this word assures you that your approach is facilitated by Christ’s finished work. It invites you to rest in the certainty that you are led directly into the care of God, without needing to earn your way through the door yourself.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be drawing near1×
- having brought up1×
- do bring1×
- He may bring1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσάγειν1×
- προσάγαγε1×
- προσαγάγῃ1×
- προσαγαγόντες1×
Key Verses
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I Peter 3:18
Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God, being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit,
This verse highlights the theological core of the word, showing Christ’s suffering as the means to bring believers into God's presence.
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Acts 16:20
When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men, being Jews, are agitating our city
Here the word describes a forensic action where authorities are brought before magistrates, illustrating its use in legal or official contexts.
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Luke 9:41
Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.”
Jesus uses this term to command the immediate bringing of a sick boy, showing its practical use for summoning someone to His presence.