προστίθημι (prostithēmi)
prostithēmi
to add (to)
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prostithēmi means to add something to what already exists, or to join one thing to another. In the New Testament it describes both literal increases and relational growth. For instance, in Matthew 6:27, Jesus asks who can add a single hour to their lifespan, highlighting human limitation against divine sovereignty. Similarly, Acts 2:41 notes that those who accepted Peter’s message were added to the community, illustrating how new believers joined the early church.
Its components suggest placing something near or upon an existing base. The sources indicate it can refer to adding time, people, or even repeating an action, as seen when a master sends servants again in Luke 20:11. Translators often use "add" or "increase," capturing the sense of accumulation or inclusion without implying creation from nothing.
This word appears frequently in Luke and Acts, reflecting themes of growth and continuity. It underscores that expansion—whether in numbers, time, or action—is a process of joining to what precedes it, rather than starting anew.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek verb prostithēmi describes the simple act of adding something to what is already there. It suggests growth through inclusion rather than starting from scratch. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus uses this word to show that anxiety cannot add a single hour to our lives. This highlights our human limits and points us toward trusting God’s sovereignty over our time.
Yet the same word carries a hopeful promise in Luke 12:31. When we seek God’s Kingdom first, He adds all other necessary things to us. This is not about earning more through effort, but receiving grace as a gift. The early church experienced this in Acts 2:47, where the Lord added new believers day by day.
This word reminds us that spiritual growth often looks like joining others or receiving what we lack. It invites us to rest in God’s provision rather than striving for control. Whether it is faith increasing or a community expanding, God is the one who adds.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he proceeded3×
- will be added2×
- were added2×
- to add2×
- was adding1×
- was added1×
- to be addressed1×
- more will be added1×
- it was added1×
- he was added1×
- having proceeded1×
- do add1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσέθετο3×
- προστεθήσεται3×
- προσετέθη3×
- προσθεῖναι2×
- πρόσθες1×
- προσέθηκεν1×
- προστεθῆναι1×
- προσθεὶς1×
- προσετίθεντο1×
- προσετίθει1×
- προσετέθησαν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:27
“Which of you by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan?
Jesus uses this word to illustrate the futility of anxiety in extending human lifespan.
-
Luke 12:31
But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.
It promises that material needs will be added to those who prioritize God's Kingdom.
-
Acts 2:47
praising God and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.
This verse shows the Lord actively adding saved individuals to the church community daily.
-
Luke 17:5
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
The apostles ask Jesus to add more faith, linking the word to spiritual growth.