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προσορμίζω (prosormizō)

prosormizō

to moor/anchor

G4358 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The verb prosormizō describes the act of bringing a ship to anchor or moor it near the shore. Derived from roots meaning "to tie" or "lull," it captures the specific moment when a vessel ceases its journey and secures itself in place. This is not merely stopping, but establishing a stable position relative to land.

Its usage in Scripture is precise and limited. It appears only once, in Mark 6:53, where the disciples arrive at Gennesaret after crossing the sea. The text notes they "landed" or "moored" there, marking the end of their immediate voyage. This single occurrence highlights the word’s concrete, nautical nature without expanding into abstract metaphor.

Because it is so rare, the word does not carry heavy theological weight in broader doctrine. Instead, it serves as a vivid detail in the narrative, grounding the story in physical reality. It reminds readers that Jesus’ ministry involved real travel and tangible locations, anchoring the Gospel events in historical geography rather than myth.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word προσορμίζω describes the precise moment a ship is secured to the shore. It marks the end of a journey and the beginning of rest. In Mark 6:53, the disciples moored at Gennesaret after crossing the sea. This detail grounds the Gospel in real history. Jesus did not float above life; He walked on roads and landed in ports.

For your faith, this reminds you that God meets us in ordinary places. Your daily routines are not distractions from spirituality. They are where grace lands. When you feel unmoored or unsure of your direction, remember that stability comes from being tied to Christ. He is the anchor that holds fast when storms pass.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • drew to shore.1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • προσωρμίσθησαν.1×

Key Verses

  • Mark 6:53
    When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore.

    This verse uses the term to mark the physical conclusion of the disciples' dangerous crossing, signaling their arrival at a safe place where Jesus immediately begins healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does prosormizō mean in the Bible?

It means to moor a ship to the shore. The word appears only once in the New Testament, in Mark 6:53. It describes the specific action of tying a vessel securely so it stops moving.

Is prosormizō used metaphorically in Scripture?

No. In its single occurrence, it is used literally to describe a physical boat landing at Gennesaret. Unlike the related word for 'anchor' (G4160), this verb does not appear as a spiritual metaphor in the biblical text.

Why is this word important for understanding Mark 6?

It confirms the historical reality of Jesus' ministry. The disciples traveled by sea and landed at a specific location. This detail shows that the Gospel events happened in real time and place, not in abstract myth.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)