προσέρχομαι (proserchomai)
proserchomai
to come near/agree
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 86 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb proserchomai describes the act of coming near or approaching someone or something. In the New Testament, it frequently appears in narrative scenes where individuals physically move toward Jesus, such as when a leper approaches him for healing in Matthew 8:2 or when disciples seek clarification on the end times in Matthew 24:1. The word captures both the physical movement and the intent behind it, serving as a bridge between distance and encounter.
Beyond simple movement, the term carries significant theological weight, particularly in Hebrews where it describes drawing near to God. Passages like Hebrews 10:22 and 4:16 use the word to encourage believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence. This usage echoes the Old Testament tradition, where the same concept is applied to priests approaching the holy place. The sources note that this spiritual proximity is not merely physical but involves a relational openness, as seen when people come to Christ in faith.
Etymologically, the word combines a prefix meaning "toward" with a root meaning "to come." This structure emphasizes direction and purpose. While most translations render it simply as "come" or "draw near," the context often reveals a deeper sense of seeking connection. Whether approaching a teacher, a court, or the divine, the action implies a deliberate step toward another party, establishing a relationship that was previously distant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word proserchomai describes the deliberate act of coming near. It is not a casual glance from afar, but a purposeful step toward someone. In the Gospels, we see this often: a leper approaching Jesus for healing, or disciples seeking answers in private moments. This physical movement mirrors a spiritual reality. We are invited to draw close to God, not as distant subjects, but as children seeking a Father’s face.
Hebrews uses this term to encourage us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. The distance caused by sin is bridged by Christ. You do not need to earn the right to come near; you only need to take the step in faith. This word reminds us that God desires encounter, not just obedience. He waits for us to draw near, ready to listen and respond.
When life feels heavy or confusing, remember that coming near is always the first step toward peace. Whether you are seeking healing, guidance, or simply rest, Jesus welcomes your approach. Take time today to pause and draw near to Him, trusting in His open arms.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 86 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- came18×
- having come13×
- having come up5×
- having gone4×
- having come to [him]4×
- having come to [Him]3×
- drawing near3×
- Having come3×
- you have come to2×
- to come near2×
- they came2×
- he came2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσελθὼν22×
- προσελθόντες16×
- προσῆλθον15×
- προσῆλθεν8×
- προσέρχονται2×
- προσέρχεσθαι2×
- προσερχώμεθα2×
- προσερχομένους2×
- προσερχομένου2×
- προσελθοῦσα2×
- προσεληλύθατε2×
- πρόσελθε1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 8:2
Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”
This verse shows the word used for a leper’s physical and spiritual approach to Jesus for healing, highlighting both humility and faith.
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Matthew 17:19
Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?”
Here the disciples come privately to Jesus, showing that this word often marks moments of seeking clarity or help in difficult situations.
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Matthew 5:1
Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
The disciples coming to Jesus on the mountain sets the scene for the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of drawing near to hear His teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word proserchomai mean?
How is proserchomai different from other words for 'coming'?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (86 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 50 verses
The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
Matthew 4:11Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.
Matthew 5:1Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
Matthew 8:2Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”
Matthew 8:5When he came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him for help,
Matthew 8:19A scribe came and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
Matthew 8:25The disciples came to him and woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We are dying!”
Matthew 9:14Then John’s disciples came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don’t fast?”
Matthew 9:20Behold, a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment;
Matthew 9:28When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do…
Matthew 13:10The disciples came, and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”
Matthew 13:27The servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did these…
Matthew 13:36Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the…
Matthew 14:12His disciples came, took the body, and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Matthew 14:15When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send…
Matthew 15:1Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying,
Matthew 15:12Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”
Matthew 15:23But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”
Matthew 15:30Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down…
Matthew 16:1The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
Matthew 17:7Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 17:14When they came to the multitude, a man came to him, kneeling down to him and saying,
Matthew 17:19Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able to cast it out?”
Matthew 17:24When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, “Doesn’t your teacher…
Matthew 18:1In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”
Matthew 18:21Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven…
Matthew 19:3Pharisees came to him, testing him and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
Matthew 19:16Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
Matthew 20:20Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him.
Matthew 21:14The lame and the blind came to him in the temple, and he healed them.
Matthew 21:23When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and…
Matthew 21:28But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’
Matthew 21:30He came to the second, and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I’m going, sir,’ but he didn’t go.
Matthew 22:23On that day Sadducees (those who say that there is no resurrection) came to him. They asked him,
Matthew 24:1Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way. His disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the…
Matthew 24:3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be?…
Matthew 25:20He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five…
Matthew 25:22“He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another…
Matthew 25:24“He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you…
Matthew 26:7a woman came to him having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the…
Matthew 26:17Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, “Where do you want us to prepare…
Matthew 26:49Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.
Matthew 26:50Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
Matthew 26:60and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses…
Matthew 26:69Now Peter was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to him, saying, “You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!”
Matthew 26:73After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes…
Matthew 27:58This man went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given up.
Matthew 28:2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the…
Matthew 28:9As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and…
Matthew 28:18Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.