from πρός and ἀπειλέω; to menace additionally:--i.e. threaten further.
Transliteration:prosapeiléō
Pronunciation:pros-ap-i-leh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσαπειλέω (prosapeiléō `{{G4324}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρός (pros), meaning "to, toward, in addition to," and the verb ἀπειλέω (apeileō `{{G546}}`), meaning "to threaten" or "to menace." Consequently, its core meaning is "to threaten further," "to add threats," or "to menace additionally." The prefix πρός indicates an intensification, continuation, or addition to a previously existing or implied threat. It suggests an escalation of hostile intent, moving beyond an initial warning to a more severe or repeated declaration of harm or punishment. This nuance of "further" or "additionally" is crucial to understanding its specific semantic contribution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word προσαπειλέω (prosapeiléō `{{G4324}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 4:21]]**: "But when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were glorifying God for what had happened."
In this sole occurrence, the context is the arrest and interrogation of Peter and John by the Sanhedrin after they had healed a lame man and boldly preached the resurrection of Jesus. The Sanhedrin, unable to deny the undeniable miracle and fearing the reaction of the people who glorified God for the healing, found themselves in a difficult position. They had already commanded Peter and John not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus (implied by the preceding verses). The phrase "when they had further threatened them" (προσαπειλησάμενοι) indicates that the Sanhedrin did not merely repeat their previous command but intensified their warnings or added new, more severe threats before releasing the apostles. This highlights their frustration and impotence in the face of divine power and popular support for the apostles. Their "further threats" were a desperate measure, a sign of their inability to genuinely suppress the burgeoning Christian movement through direct punitive action.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding προσαπειλέω (prosapeiléō `{{G4324}}`) is aided by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **ἀπειλέω (apeileō `{{G546}}`)**: This is the root verb from which προσαπειλέω is derived, meaning "to threaten." The compound form explicitly adds the notion of *further* or *additional* threats, indicating an escalation or continuation.
* **ἀπειλή (apeilē `{{G547}}`)**: The corresponding noun, meaning "a threat" or "menace." This noun appears in [[Acts 4:29]], where the apostles pray, "And now, Lord, look upon their threats (ἀπειλάς), and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness." This shows the apostles' awareness of the Sanhedrin's threats, including the "further threats" of [[Acts 4:21]].
* **φοβέω (phobeō `{{G5399}}`)**: While primarily meaning "to fear," this verb can also imply causing fear or intimidating. προσαπειλέω is a more direct and active declaration of intended harm.
* **Opposition and Persecution**: The concept of προσαπειλέω fits within the broader biblical theme of opposition and persecution faced by God's people. From the Old Testament prophets to Jesus and the early church, those who proclaim God's truth often face threats and intimidation from those in power who resist divine authority.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of προσαπειλέω (prosapeiléō `{{G4324}}`) in [[Acts 4:21]] carries significant theological weight:
1. **The Futility of Human Opposition**: The Sanhedrin's "further threats" underscore their ultimate powerlessness against God's plan. Despite their authority and their attempts to intimidate, they could not halt the spread of the Gospel or punish the apostles for their divinely empowered actions. Their threats were a sign of their desperation, not their strength.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**: Even when faced with intensified threats, God's servants are protected and empowered. The release of Peter and John, despite the Sanhedrin's menacing words, demonstrates God's providential care.
3. **Apostolic Courage and Boldness**: The apostles, far from being deterred by these "further threats," responded with renewed boldness in their prayer (cf. [[Acts 4:29]]) and continued their mission. This highlights the Spirit-empowered courage that enables believers to stand firm in the face of intimidation.
4. **The Nature of Persecution**: The word illustrates a common tactic of those who oppose God's truth: when rational arguments or direct suppression fail, they resort to intimidation and escalated threats. This pattern is evident throughout salvation history.
### Summary
προσαπειλέω (prosapeiléō `{{G4324}}`) is a potent Greek verb meaning "to threaten further" or "to menace additionally." Its sole appearance in [[Acts 4:21]] vividly describes the Sanhedrin's intensified, yet ultimately futile, threats against Peter and John. This word highlights the escalating opposition faced by the early church, serving as a testament to the impotence of human power against divine purpose. The "further threats" underscore the Sanhedrin's frustration and their inability to suppress the Gospel message. Theologically, it emphasizes God's sovereignty over human opposition, the divine protection afforded to His servants, and the Spirit-empowered courage of the apostles who, despite such intimidation, continued to proclaim the truth with boldness.
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