πρόσχυσις (proschusis)
proschusis
sprinkling
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun proschusis refers to the act of pouring or sprinkling liquid onto something. Derived from roots meaning "to pour," it describes a physical action where fluid is applied, typically in a ritual context. In Scripture, this term appears only once, marking its usage as quite specific and rare.
This single occurrence is found in Hebrews 11:28, within the passage describing Moses’ faith. The text notes that he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood to prevent the destroyer from touching the Israelites. Here, proschusis captures the precise moment of applying the sacrificial blood to the doorposts, an act that served as a protective sign for the people.
While English translations often use "sprinkling," the underlying Greek sense emphasizes the pouring motion associated with the ritual. This distinction highlights the tangible nature of the Old Testament ceremonies, where physical acts like pouring blood were central to the covenant practices described in the narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word proschusis describes the careful act of sprinkling or pouring liquid, a physical gesture that carried deep spiritual weight in ancient worship. In Hebrews 11:28, we see Moses using this very action during the Passover. He ensured the blood was applied to the doorposts so that the destroyer could not touch the firstborn. This was not merely a ritualistic formality but a tangible expression of trust in God’s provision and protection.
For us today, this image reminds us that faith often involves concrete steps of obedience. Just as the Israelites relied on the blood for safety, we find our security in Christ’s sacrifice. The physical act points to a spiritual reality: we are covered by grace when we place our trust in God. It is a comforting picture of how divine care meets human need through specific, faithful actions.
When you face uncertainty, remember that God values the heart behind your obedience. Whether it is prayer, service, or simply standing firm in belief, these acts are like the sprinkled blood—a sign of covenant and safety. You do not have to earn this protection; it is given freely to those who believe.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sprinkling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πρόσχυσιν1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 11:28
By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.
This verse uniquely links the physical act of sprinkling blood with the preservation of life, showing how faith operates through specific obedience.