προσκαρτερέω (proskartereō)
proskartereō
to continue in/with
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb proskartereō describes a persistent, steadfast devotion to a person or practice. Derived from roots meaning "to stay" and "to be strong," it conveys more than simple attendance; it implies an unwavering commitment that endures through time. In the New Testament, this term appears ten times, primarily in Acts, where it characterizes the early church’s disciplined lifestyle.
It is used both with people and with spiritual disciplines. The text notes its application to Jesus’ mother and brothers waiting on him (Mark 3:9) and to Simon Magus observing signs (Acts 8:13). More significantly, it defines the believers’ routine: they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers (Acts 2:42; 6:4). Paul also urges believers to continue in prayer with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2) and to be constant in hope (Romans 12:12).
This word captures the essence of Christian perseverance. It is not a fleeting interest but a continuous, active engagement with faith communities and spiritual duties. The sources highlight its use in Acts 2:46 as well, showing believers meeting daily in the temple, illustrating how this steadfastness shaped their communal identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word proskartereō describes a steady, unwavering commitment to what matters most. It is not a fleeting interest but a continuous engagement with faith communities and spiritual duties. In the early church, believers did not just attend gatherings; they devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer with a persistent heart.
This kind of steadfastness shapes our daily lives. When we continue in prayer, as Paul urged in Colossians 4:2, we stay connected to God’s strength even when circumstances are difficult. It invites us to find joy in routine spiritual practices, trusting that God meets us in the ordinary moments of waiting and watching.
May you find encouragement in this call to persistence. Let your heart remain fixed on Christ and His people, knowing that such devotion is a gift that strengthens both your faith and your community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- steadfastly continuing4×
- will steadfastly continue.1×
- may wait upon1×
- do continue steadfastly1×
- being constant,1×
- attending continually.1×
- attending1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσκαρτεροῦντες3×
- προσκαρτερῶν1×
- προσκαρτερῇ1×
- προσκαρτερήσομεν.1×
- προσκαρτεροῦντες.¶1×
- προσκαρτεροῦντες,1×
- προσκαρτερούντων1×
- προσκαρτερεῖτε1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:42
They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.
This verse defines the core identity of the early church by linking steadfast devotion directly to apostolic teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
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Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving,
Paul uses this term to urge believers to maintain a persistent attitude in prayer, coupled with gratitude and spiritual alertness.
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Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer,
The apostle connects continuing steadfastly in prayer with enduring troubles, showing that persistence is vital during hardship.
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Acts 1:14
All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
This occurrence highlights the unity of the early believers, including Mary and Jesus' brothers, as they waited together in prayer before Pentecost.