### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσαναβαίνω (prosanabaínō), Strong's `{{G4320}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition πρός (pros), meaning "to," "toward," or "in addition to," and the verb ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō), meaning "to go up," "to ascend," or "to climb." Literally, προσαναβαίνω signifies "to go up further" or "to ascend to a higher point." In its semantic range, it extends beyond mere physical elevation to denote a promotion in status or position, specifically to take a more honorable or prominent seat. The nuance of πρός here suggests an *addition* or *movement towards* a higher standing, implying an improvement in one's social or hierarchical placement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb προσαναβαίνω appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 14:10]]**: "But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, προσαναβαίνω (go up higher).' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you."
In this sole occurrence, Jesus is teaching a parable about humility at a wedding feast, observing how guests chose the places of honor. The term προσαναβαίνω is used in a direct command, an invitation from the host for a guest to move from a lower, less honorable seat to a higher, more distinguished one. This is presented as the desirable outcome of humble self-abasement, in stark contrast to the shame of being asked to move *down* from a presumptuously taken high seat ([[Luke 14:9]]). The context is explicitly social and hierarchical, illustrating a principle of honor and humility within human interactions, which then serves as a metaphor for spiritual realities.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several terms and concepts are closely related to προσαναβαίνω:
* ἀναβαίνω (`{{G305}}`): The base verb, meaning "to go up," "ascend." προσαναβαίνω is a specific application of this action, emphasizing a *further* or *higher* ascent.
* πρός (`{{G4314}}`): The preposition, which adds the nuance of direction or addition, making the ascent one *towards* a more significant position.
* καταβαίνω (`{{G2597}}`): The direct antonym, meaning "to go down," "descend." This word is implied in the preceding verse of the Lukan passage ([[Luke 14:9]]) where one might be told to "give place" and "sit lower," highlighting the shame of demotion.
* **Humility (ταπεινοφροσύνη - `{{G5012}}`) and Exaltation (ὑψόω - `{{G5312}}`)**: The core theological concepts illuminated by προσαναβαίνω in its context. The passage in Luke directly connects the act of humbling oneself with the promise of future exaltation, making προσαναβαίνω a concrete illustration of this spiritual principle.
* **Honor (δόξα - `{{G1391}}`) and Shame (ἀτιμία - `{{G819}}`)**: The social dynamics of the parable are centered on these concepts. προσαναβαίνω represents the bestowal of honor, while being asked to move down represents shame.
### Theological Significance
Though appearing only once, the use of προσαναβαίνω in [[Luke 14:10]] carries profound theological weight. It is embedded within Jesus' teaching on humility, which culminates in the pivotal statement: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" [[Luke 14:11]]. The "going up higher" (προσαναβαίνω) represents the divine principle of exaltation that follows genuine humility.
This is not an exaltation achieved through self-promotion or seeking status, but one that is *bestowed* by a higher authority—the "host" in the parable, who symbolizes God. The true honor comes not from seizing a position, but from being *invited* to it. This illustrates a key aspect of the Kingdom of God: true greatness and honor are not found in worldly ambition but in humble service and self-abasement before God. God is the one who ultimately raises up the humble, as seen in numerous biblical passages (e.g., [[James 4:10]], [[1 Peter 5:6]]). The command to "go up higher" thus becomes a powerful metaphor for divine recognition and promotion in the spiritual realm, a testament to God's economy of grace and justice.
### Summary
προσαναβαίνω (`{{G4320}}`) literally means "to ascend further" or "to go up to a higher place," and by extension, "to be promoted" or "to take a more honorable seat." Its singular occurrence in [[Luke 14:10]] provides a vivid illustration within Jesus' parable on humility. Here, it signifies the honorable invitation from a host to a guest to move to a higher position, contrasting with the shame of demotion. Theologically, προσαναβαίνω serves as a powerful metaphor for the divine principle that true exaltation and honor are not achieved through human ambition or self-promotion, but are graciously bestowed by God upon those who humbly abase themselves. It encapsulates the paradoxical truth that in God's economy, humility precedes and leads to ultimate honor.
TRV