προσφέρω (prospherō)
prospherō
to bring to
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 45 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prospherō means to bring something toward a person or place, whether carrying a gift, leading someone for healing, or presenting an item for judgment. In the Gospels, it describes the practical act of bringing people to Jesus for cure, as when crowds brought the sick to Him in Matthew 8:16, or parents bringing children to receive His blessing in Mark 10:13.
In religious contexts, the word shifts from general transport to specific offering. It is the standard term for presenting sacrifices, gifts, and prayers to God, a usage deeply rooted in the Greek Old Testament. Hebrews uses it extensively to describe Christ’s self-offering, noting that He presented Himself without blemish to God in Hebrews 9:14.
Etymologically, the word combines pros ("to") and pherō ("to bear or carry"). This simple structure captures both physical movement and spiritual intention. Translators often render it as "offer" when referring to worship, but the underlying sense remains one of bringing something near for a specific purpose.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prospherō captures the simple yet profound act of bringing something toward someone for a purpose. In the Gospels, we see crowds bringing their sick and children to Jesus, trusting that His presence would bring healing and blessing. This physical movement mirrors a spiritual posture: approaching God with our needs, our gifts, and our lives, acknowledging that He is the one who receives and transforms them.
While the term often describes carrying a person or object, it also carries the weight of worship. When Hebrews speaks of Christ offering Himself to God, it uses this same word, highlighting that true offering involves both action and intention. It reminds us that our faith is not passive; we are called to actively bring our burdens and our gratitude to the Lord, trusting in His power to receive them.
This concept invites us to consider what we are bringing to God today. Whether it is a specific need, a moment of joy, or simply our presence, the act of approaching Him is an expression of trust. It is a reminder that we do not have to carry our lives alone, but can lay them at His feet, knowing He is ready to meet us there.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 45 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they brought4×
- do offer4×
- offering3×
- to offer2×
- they were bringing2×
- offered2×
- you shall offer1×
- were brought1×
- was offering up1×
- was offered1×
- was brought to1×
- was brought1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσήνεγκαν7×
- προσήνεγκεν4×
- προσφέρειν3×
- προσηνέχθη3×
- προσέφερον2×
- προσένεγκε2×
- προσφέρῃ2×
- προσηνέγκατέ2×
- προσενέγκας2×
- πρόσφερε1×
- προσήνεγκα1×
- προσέφερεν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:16
When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick,
This verse illustrates the word's use for bringing people to Jesus for healing, showing His readiness to receive and restore those brought in faith.
-
Mark 10:13
They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.
This occurrence highlights the value Jesus places on children, as people bring them to Him for blessing despite the disciples' objections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word prospherō mean?
How is prospherō different from other words for offering?
Where does this word appear in the New Testament?
Why is this word important for understanding worship?
Every Occurrence (45 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 15 verses
They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening…
Matthew 4:24The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases…
Matthew 5:23“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,
Matthew 5:24leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer…
Matthew 8:4Jesus said to him, “See that you tell nobody; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses…
Matthew 8:16When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all…
Matthew 9:2Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic,…
Matthew 9:32As they went out, behold, a mute man who was demon possessed was brought to him.
Matthew 12:22Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him; and he healed him, so that the blind and mute man…
Matthew 14:35When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region and brought to him all who…
Matthew 17:16So I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him.”
Matthew 18:24When he had begun to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
Matthew 19:13Then little children were brought to him that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
Matthew 22:19Show me the tax money.” They brought to him a denarius.
Matthew 25:20He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five…