προσκλίνω (prosklinō)
prosklinō
to lean toward
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prosklinō literally means to lean toward something, often with a sense of yielding or inclining one’s weight against it. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 5:36, it appears in the passive voice to describe people who were inclined toward or swayed by a certain leader. The image is physical and immediate: just as a scale tips under pressure or a person leans into support, this word captures the act of shifting one’s allegiance or attention.
Its root suggests movement and direction, emphasizing not just a static position but a dynamic shift in loyalty. While it does not carry the heavy theological weight of words like "repent" or "believe," it provides a vivid picture of how crowds can be drawn toward charismatic figures. The sources note its use in the Septuagint for similar physical inclinations, grounding this New Testament usage in a broader tradition of describing human responsiveness.
Translators typically render this as "followed" or "were inclined to," capturing the nuance of being swayed by influence rather than merely obeying. In Acts 5:36, it helps explain why many joined Judas the Galilean’s revolt; they were drawn toward his cause with a tangible sense of attraction. This word reminds readers that leadership often involves more than authority—it involves the ability to draw others in, much like gravity pulls objects downward.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word προσκλίνω paints a simple, physical picture: leaning toward something for support or direction. In Acts 5:36, it describes people who were drawn to Theudas, shifting their weight and attention to follow his lead. This image reminds us that influence often works through attraction rather than force. People naturally lean toward those who offer clarity, purpose, or a sense of belonging in uncertain times.
For your faith, this word invites reflection on where you place your trust. Just as a body leans into stability, our hearts seek anchors in leaders, causes, or ideologies. The Bible encourages us to ensure that our allegiance rests firmly in Christ, the true source of hope and guidance. When we lean toward Him, we find a steadiness that outlasts every shifting tide.
This gentle verb also highlights the power of community. We are shaped by those we choose to follow and the voices we allow to sway us. It is a quiet call to examine our influences with care, ensuring they draw us closer to truth and love rather than away from it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were joined1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσεκλίθη1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 5:36
For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves. He was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed and came to nothing.
This verse uses the passive form of the word to show how a crowd physically and mentally shifted their loyalty toward Theudas, illustrating the tangible pull of charismatic leadership.