προσαπειλέω (prosapeileō)
prosapeileō
to threaten further
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prosapeileō describes the act of issuing further threats or adding to existing intimidation. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 4:21, where it captures the specific moment after the apostles are released by the Sanhedrin.
Its meaning is built from two parts: the prefix proso-, indicating addition or approach, and apeileō, which means to threaten. This etymology highlights that the authorities were not merely expressing anger but actively escalating their warnings against speaking in Jesus’ name.
This single usage provides a clear window into the tension of the early church’s first public confrontation. The leaders had already issued a warning; prosapeileō marks the point where they sought to reinforce that command with additional pressure, illustrating the growing resistance faced by the apostles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prosapeileō describes a situation where pressure is increased after an initial warning has already been given. In Acts 4, religious leaders did not just speak once; they added further threats to silence the apostles. This shows that speaking truth can often invite resistance that grows stronger over time. The text highlights that despite this escalation of intimidation, the authorities released the men because the crowd praised God for the healing.
For your faith, this reminds us that opposition is not a sign of failure but often a marker of obedience. When you face pushback for doing what is right, it does not mean you are off track. The apostles continued their mission despite the added warnings. This word captures the weight of that courage, showing that even when voices rise to silence us, the truth remains unshaken and God’s work continues.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having further threatened [them]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσαπειλησάμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 4:21
When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done.
This verse uses the word to mark the specific moment the Sanhedrin escalated their intimidation after releasing the apostles, showing the intensity of the pressure they faced for preaching Jesus.