προστρέχω (prostrechō)
prostrechō
to hasten
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prostrechō describes the physical act of running toward someone or something, conveying a sense of urgency and eagerness. It combines the prefix pros-, meaning "to" or "toward," with trechō, which simply means "to run." This is not a leisurely stroll but a deliberate movement in a specific direction, often implying that the runner has a clear goal in mind.
Scripture uses this word to highlight immediate interest. In Mark 9:15, the crowd sees Jesus and runs to Him, showing their intense curiosity about His presence. Similarly, in Mark 10:17, a man runs up to Jesus and kneels before Him, demonstrating his earnest desire for teaching. Acts 8:30 records Philip seeing an Ethiopian official’s chariot and running alongside it, eager to engage with the reader inside.
These examples show that prostrechō captures more than just speed; it reflects a heart inclined toward connection. The runners are not merely passing by but actively seeking interaction. This physical motion mirrors spiritual readiness, where individuals move quickly toward Jesus or His messengers with open hearts and focused intentions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prostrechō captures a specific kind of movement: running toward something with clear intent. It is not aimless wandering but a focused rush to connect. When we see this in Scripture, it reveals hearts that are fully present and eager for encounter. This physical action mirrors the spiritual posture God desires from us—a readiness to turn toward Him without delay or hesitation.
In Mark 10:17, a man runs to Jesus and kneels, asking about eternal life. His urgency shows that he values this meeting above all else. We can learn from his example by bringing our most important questions directly to Christ. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, we are invited to approach Him with honest desire and open hands.
Philip also demonstrates this eagerness in Acts 8:30. He sees a chariot and runs alongside it, seizing the opportunity to share truth. This reminds us that our spiritual readiness is not just for ourselves but for others. When we cultivate a heart that runs toward God, we become more attuned to the needs around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- running to [Him]1×
- having run up1×
- Having run up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσδραμὼν2×
- προστρέχοντες1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 10:17
As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
This verse highlights the man's urgent desire for spiritual truth as he runs to Jesus before asking a profound question about eternal life.
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Acts 8:30
Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
Philip’s immediate response to seeing the chariot shows how spiritual awareness leads to proactive engagement with those seeking understanding.
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Mark 9:15
Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, greeted him.
The crowd's reaction demonstrates that Jesus’ presence naturally draws people in with a sense of awe and immediate curiosity.