from πρός and ἀνατίθεμαι; to lay up in addition, i.e. (middle voice and figuratively) to impart or (by implication) to consult:--in conference add, confer.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word προσανατίθημι (prosanatíthēmi, `{{G4323}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition πρός (pros, "to, toward, in addition") and the verb ἀνατίθημι (anatíthēmi, "to set up, dedicate, refer"). In its middle voice, ἀνατίθεμαι often carries the meaning "to refer for decision" or "to consult." The addition of the prefix πρός intensifies or specifies this action, leading to a core meaning of "to lay up in addition."
Semantically, προσανατίθημι encompasses two primary nuances, both related to the sharing or addition of information/thoughts in a communicative context. First, it can mean "to impart" or "to add to" (in terms of knowledge, instruction, or authority), implying that something new or supplementary is being given. Second, and closely related, it can mean "to consult" or "to confer with," suggesting the act of laying a matter before someone for their input, advice, or validation, thereby adding one's thoughts to a discussion or seeking additional perspective. Both senses denote a communicative interaction where information or counsel is exchanged or sought.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προσανατίθημι (prosanatíthēmi, `{{G4323}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring in Paul's letter to the Galatians. Its limited but crucial usage sheds significant light on Paul's understanding of his apostolic authority and the origin of his gospel.
1. **[[Galatians 1:16]]**: "immediately I did not *consult* with flesh and blood" (οὐ προσαναθέμην σαρκὶ καὶ αἵματι). Here, Paul emphatically states that following his divine call and revelation of Christ, he did not seek counsel or validation from human beings ("flesh and blood"). This highlights the immediate, direct, and non-humanly mediated nature of his conversion and the reception of his gospel. The sense here is clearly "to consult with" or "to confer with," implying a seeking of human endorsement or instruction. Paul's point is that his gospel was not derived from human tradition or teaching, but from divine revelation.
2. **[[Galatians 2:6]]**: "But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality—for those who seemed to be something *added* nothing to me" (ἐμοὶ γὰρ οἱ δοκοῦντες οὐδὲν προσανατέθεντο). In this passage, Paul refers to his meeting with the "pillars" of the Jerusalem church (James, Cephas, and John). The sense here is "to impart" or "to add to." Paul asserts that these esteemed apostles "added nothing" to his gospel or his apostolic commission. This does not imply a lack of fellowship or agreement, but rather that his message was complete and true as he received it from Christ, requiring no supplementation, correction, or additional authority from human sources, even those as highly regarded as the Jerusalem apostles.
In both contexts, the word underscores Paul's insistence on the divine origin and complete sufficiency of the gospel he preached, establishing his independence from human validation for his message and ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of προσανατίθημι (prosanatíthēmi, `{{G4323}}`) is illuminated by its constituent parts and by other related Greek terms:
* **πρός (pros)**: This preposition (`{{G4314}}`) often indicates direction "to" or "toward," but can also convey concepts of addition, relation, or proximity. Its presence in προσανατίθημι emphasizes the directed nature of the "imparting" or "consulting."
* **ἀνατίθημι (anatíthēmi)**: The base verb (not explicitly a Strong's number in itself, but its middle voice is relevant) means "to set forth, dedicate, refer." In the middle voice (ἀνατίθεμαι), it often means "to refer for decision, to consult." This core meaning of "referring a matter" is central to προσανατίθημι.
* **συμβουλεύω (symbouleuō, `{{G4823}}`)**: Meaning "to consult, advise," this verb is a direct synonym for the "consult" aspect of προσανατίθημι, though lacking the nuance of "addition" or "imparting."
* **κοινωνία (koinōnia, `{{G2842}}`)**: While not directly etymologically related, the concept of "fellowship" or "sharing" is implicitly connected. The acts of "imparting" truth or "consulting" with others are forms of spiritual koinōnia, though Paul's usage of προσανατίθημι in Galatians emphasizes the *independence* of his revelation, even within fellowship.
* **διδάσκω (didaskō, `{{G1321}}`)**: "To teach, instruct." This word relates to the "imparting" aspect of προσανατίθημι, though προσανατίθημι focuses more on the *act* of adding information or counsel, rather than the ongoing process of teaching.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of προσανατίθημι (prosanatíthēmi, `{{G4323}}`) is profound, particularly in its limited but strategic appearances in Galatians. It serves as a linchpin in Paul's defense of the authenticity and divine origin of his gospel and apostleship.
1. **Divine Revelation vs. Human Authority**: The word powerfully underscores Paul's conviction that his gospel was a direct, unmediated revelation from Jesus Christ, not a product of human tradition, instruction, or validation. His refusal to "consult with flesh and blood" ([[Galatians 1:16]]) immediately after his conversion highlights that his authority and message were not derived from human channels, but from God alone. This establishes a crucial theological principle: the ultimate source of spiritual truth is divine revelation, not human consensus or ecclesiastical hierarchy.
2. **The Sufficiency and Purity of the Gospel**: Paul's assertion that the Jerusalem apostles "added nothing" to him ([[Galatians 2:6]]) is a strong theological statement about the completeness and purity of the gospel he preached. It implies that his message was not deficient, nor did it require supplementation or correction from even the most respected leaders of the early church. This reinforces the unity of the gospel message and its inherent power, independent of human endorsement. It also speaks to the singular nature of Christ's work and the revelation concerning it, which needs no human additions to be effective or true.
3. **Apostolic Independence (under Christ)**: While Paul valued fellowship and cooperation, his use of προσανατίθημι asserts his independence from human validation for the core of his calling and message. His apostolic authority was not delegated by men, but directly conferred by Christ. This concept is vital for understanding the nature of true spiritual authority, which ultimately derives from God, not from human institutions or traditions. It also serves as a polemic against those who sought to undermine Paul's authority by suggesting his gospel was secondary or incomplete.
### Summary
The Greek word προσανατίθημι (prosanatíthēmi, `{{G4323}}`), meaning "to impart" or "to consult," appears exclusively in Paul's letter to the Galatians. In [[Galatians 1:16]], Paul states he did not "consult" with human beings after his conversion, emphasizing the direct divine origin of his gospel. In [[Galatians 2:6]], he asserts that the Jerusalem apostles "added nothing" to his message, underscoring its completeness and divine sufficiency. Theologically, this word is critical to Paul's defense of his apostolic authority and the unadulterated nature of the gospel he preached. It highlights that true spiritual revelation and authority stem directly from God, independent of human validation or supplementation, thereby affirming the purity and power of the gospel of Christ.
TRV