προσπήγνυμι (prospēgnumi)
prospēgnumi
to nail to
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prospēgnumi literally means to fasten or fix something firmly onto a surface. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 2:23, where Peter describes Jesus being handed over by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge. The word carries the heavy physical weight of securing an object so that it cannot be moved or removed.
Its usage here is specific to the crucifixion, describing how Jesus was fastened to the cross. While other Greek words exist for general nailing or attaching, this term emphasizes the finality and permanence of the act. It underscores the reality of Christ’s suffering as a concrete historical event, not merely a spiritual metaphor.
Though rare in Scripture, its singular appearance carries significant theological weight. By choosing this word, the text highlights the tangible nature of the crucifixion. It reminds readers that the salvation offered through Jesus was achieved through a real, physical death, firmly secured by divine purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word προσπήγνυμι (prospēgnumi) appears just once in the New Testament, in Acts 2:23. Peter uses it to describe how Jesus was nailed to the cross. This term emphasizes the physical reality of Christ’s death. It was not a vague or distant event but a concrete act of history where Jesus was firmly fixed to the wood.
This word reminds us that our salvation rests on a real, historical sacrifice. God’s plan did not bypass human suffering; He allowed it to happen through His deliberate purpose. The permanence of the nailing reflects the finality of Christ’s work for sin. We can trust that what was done on the cross was complete and secure.
When we face uncertainty, we remember that Jesus’ death was no accident. It was foreknown and ordained by God. This truth brings comfort, knowing that our redemption is grounded in a specific, unmovable act of love and justice. Your faith rests on this solid foundation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having crucified1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσπήξαντες1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 2:23
him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;
This verse uses the word to highlight that Jesus’ crucifixion was both a historical reality and part of God’s predetermined plan.