προστάσσω (prostassō)
prostassō
to order
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prostassō carries the sense of placing someone in a position of authority or giving them a specific command to execute. Derived from words meaning "to stand before," it implies a formal directive issued by one who has the right to order. In the New Testament, it appears seven times, often describing authoritative instructions given by Jesus, religious leaders, or Roman officials.
Its usage varies depending on context. It can mean to appoint someone to a role, as when Joseph obeys the angel’s command regarding Mary (Matthew 1:24). More commonly, it describes issuing a strict order, such as Jesus commanding those healed to show themselves to the priest (Luke 5:14) or Paul instructing Cornelius’s household (Acts 10:48). The word conveys weight and finality, distinguishing it from casual requests.
Translators typically render prostassō as "command" or "order," reflecting its authoritative nature. Unlike general terms for speaking, this verb emphasizes the power behind the words. It appears in narratives where obedience is expected, highlighting the social and spiritual hierarchies present in biblical times. The term underscores that the speaker’s authority demands a response.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prostassō carries a sense of weight and finality. It comes from roots meaning to stand before or place someone in authority. When this verb is used in Scripture, it describes a formal directive issued by one who has the right to order. It is not a casual request but a command that demands a response.
In Matthew 1:24, Joseph rises from sleep and does as the angel commanded him. This shows how divine orders bring clarity to uncertain situations. The authority behind the word ensures that obedience follows naturally. For your faith, this reminds us that God’s instructions are grounded in His rightful place as Lord.
Whether it is Jesus healing a leper or Paul baptizing Cornelius’s household, prostassō highlights the power behind the words. You can trust that when God speaks through His appointed messengers, He provides both the command and the strength to follow it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- commanded4×
- ordered1×
- he commanded1×
- He commanded1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσέταξεν5×
- προστεταγμένους1×
- προστεταγμένα1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:24
Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself;
This verse shows Joseph obeying an angelic command without delay, demonstrating how divine authority brings immediate clarity to personal decisions.
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Luke 5:14
He commanded him to tell no one, “But go your way and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing according to what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.”
Jesus uses this verb to give a strict order about secrecy and ritual, highlighting the importance of following specific instructions in worship.
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Acts 10:48
He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.
Paul issues a command for baptism, showing how authoritative directives shape the early church’s practices and inclusion of Gentiles.