προσκληρόω (prosklēroō)
prosklēroō
to join
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prosklēroō means to assign someone or something by lot. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 17:4, where it describes how some Greeks joined Paul and Silas. The word combines a prefix meaning "to" with a root related to "lot" or "allotment," suggesting that joining was not merely casual but involved a decisive assignment or inclusion into a group.
Its usage here highlights the idea of becoming part of a community through a process of selection or divine ordering. While the specific context is historical, the term’s root implies a sense of being chosen or designated for a particular role or fellowship. This distinguishes it from more general terms for associating with others, as it carries the nuance of being allotted or assigned to a specific group or purpose.
Translators typically render this word as "joined" or "believed," reflecting the outcome of the assignment rather than the mechanical act of casting lots. The emphasis in Acts 17:4 is on the result: these individuals were integrated into the believing community, marking a significant step in their spiritual journey and connection to the apostles’ mission.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prosklēroō appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 17:4. It describes how some Greeks were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas. The term carries a sense of being assigned or allotted to a group, suggesting that this joining was not casual but involved a decisive inclusion into the community of believers.
For your faith, this offers comfort in knowing that our connections are often guided by God's hand. When you find yourself part of a church family or a small group, it may be more than just social convenience. It can reflect a divine ordering, where you are placed there for a specific purpose and fellowship.
This assurance helps us value the relationships we have in Christ. We are not left to wander alone but are integrated into a body that supports and encourages us. Trust that your place in the community is meaningful and intended by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they joined themselves1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσεκληρώθησαν1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 17:4
Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas: of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the chief women.
This verse uses prosklēroō to describe how Greeks were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, highlighting a decisive inclusion into the believing community.