4331. proseggizó

Lexical Summary

proseggizó: To approach, to draw near

Original Word: προσεγγίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: proseggizó
Pronunciation: pros-eng-GID-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-eng-ghid'-zo)
KJV: come nigh
Word Origin: [from G4314 (πρός - against) and G1448 (ἐγγίζω - approached)]

1. to approach near

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

come nigh.

From pros and eggizo; to approach near -- come nigh.

see GREEK pros

see GREEK eggizo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
late or variant reading for prospheró, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4331: προσεγγίζω

προσεγγίζω: 1 aorist infinitive προσεγγίσαι; to approach unto (πρός, IV. 1): with the dative of a person (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 52, 4, 14), Mark 2:4 (where T Tr marginal reading WH προσενέγκαι). (The Sept.; Polybius, Diodorus, Lucian).

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Greek 4331 (προσεγγίζω, prosengízō) pictures an intentional closing of distance, whether physical, relational, or spiritual. The verb carries the sense of moving so near that one stands within immediate reach, a nuance that lays the foundation for rich covenant, worship, and discipleship themes.

Old Testament (Septuagint) Usage

In the Septuagint the word frequently describes people or objects crossing a threshold of sacred proximity.
• Exodus 24:2 – “Moses alone shall approach the LORD, but the others must not come near, and the people must not go up with him.”
• Numbers 18:3 – Concerning the Levites: “They are to attend to your duties and to the whole tent, but they must not approach the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die.”
• 1 Kings 18:30 – “Then Elijah said to all the people, ‘Come near to me.’ So all the people approached him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been torn down.”

These texts reveal two complementary dimensions: (1) reverent restriction—only the properly sanctioned may proceed, and (2) gracious invitation—at God’s initiative worshipers are summoned to draw near.

Patterns of Covenant Approach

1. Priesthood and sacrifice: prosengízō underscores the careful steps required to enter sanctuary space (Leviticus 21:17–23; Ezekiel 44:13).
2. Prophetic confrontation: prophets employ the verb to summon Israel to decisive moments of repentance and renewal (Isaiah 48:16).
3. Eschatological hope: Zechariah 1:16 promises, “My house will be rebuilt in it,” portraying the Lord Himself as the One who approaches His people to restore fellowship.

Conceptual Parallels in the New Testament

Although the exact form προσεγγίζω is absent from the Greek New Testament, its theological trajectory converges with passages that employ cognate verbs:
• Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
• James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
• 1 Peter 2:4 – “As you come to Him, the living stone—rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight…”

In each verse the covenant dynamic of invitation and nearness is fulfilled in Christ, our great High Priest, making safe what was once perilous.

Historical and Cultural Background

Temple architecture, priestly vestments, and purity laws framed the ancient understanding of proximity to deity. Stepping closer implied escalating holiness and escalating danger. To “approach” without proper mediation threatened death (Leviticus 16:1–2). Against this backdrop, Jesus’ atoning work removes the veil, turning fearful approach into filial access.

Related Words and Distinctions

• 4334 προσέρχομαι highlights the act of coming toward, often used of disciples approaching Jesus.
• 1448 ἐγγίζω stresses imminent nearness (“has drawn near”).
• 4314 πρός plus ἐγγίζω (4331) conveys both motion (“toward”) and closeness (“within reach”), retaining a slightly stronger sense of contact than its simplex relative.

Practical Ministry Insights

1. Worship planning: liturgies that progress from adoration to confession to communion mirror the biblical flow of “drawing near.”
2. Counseling and pastoral care: assurance of divine accessibility (Hebrews 7:25) comforts believers who fear rejection.
3. Evangelism: the gospel message invites every hearer, regardless of background, to approach the living God through Christ (Ephesians 2:18).

Devotional Implications

Personal prayer can be shaped by meditating on the movement of prosengízō:
• Begin by acknowledging God’s majesty.
• Recognize the Mediator who grants access.
• Step forward in faith, bringing petitions boldly yet humbly.

“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). The ancient call to approach the Lord finds its ultimate fulfillment in the present ministry of Jesus Christ, who ever lives to make intercession and welcomes all who come.

Forms and Transliterations

προσεγγιεί προσεγγίζων προσεγγίσαι προσεγγίσας προσήγγιζον προσήγγισαν προσήγγισας προσήγγισε

Englishman's Concordance

προσεδέξασθε — 1 Occ.
προσδοκᾷ — 2 Occ.
προσδοκῶμεν — 4 Occ.
προσδοκῶν — 3 Occ.
προσδοκῶντας — 1 Occ.
προσδοκῶντες — 3 Occ.
προσδοκώντων — 1 Occ.
Προσδοκῶντος — 1 Occ.
προσεδόκων — 1 Occ.
προσδοκίας — 2 Occ.
παρεδρεύοντες — 1 Occ.
προσηργάσατο — 1 Occ.
προσῆλθαν — 2 Occ.
προσῆλθεν — 8 Occ.
προσῆλθον — 15 Occ.
προσήρχοντο — 1 Occ.
προσεληλύθατε — 2 Occ.
Πρόσελθε — 1 Occ.
προσελθὼν — 23 Occ.
προσελθόντες — 17 Occ.