from πρός and δέομαι; to require additionally, i.e. want further:--need.
Transliteration:prosdéomai
Pronunciation:pros-deh'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word *prosdéomai* (`{{G4326}}`) is a compound verb derived from the preposition πρός (pros), meaning "towards," "in addition to," or "further," and the verb δέομαι (deomai), which signifies "to beg," "to pray," "to ask for," or "to be in need of." The combination of these elements yields a precise meaning: "to need additionally," "to require something further," or "to be in supplementary need." This nuance distinguishes *prosdéomai* from the more general δέομαι (`{{G1189}}`), indicating a deficiency that requires a supplement or an existing state that is incomplete and demands more. It implies a lack that is to be filled from an external source, or a dependence upon something else for completion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *prosdéomai* (`{{G4326}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence carries profound theological weight.
* **[[Acts 17:25]]**: "οὐδὲ ὑπὸ χειρῶν ἀνθρωπίνων θεραπεύεται προσδεόμενος τινός, αὐτὸς διδοὺς πᾶσιν ζωὴν καὶ πνοὴν καὶ τὰ πάντα." (Nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things.)
This verse is part of Paul's iconic sermon on Mars Hill in Athens. Addressing a group of Stoic and Epicurean philosophers, Paul introduces them to the true God, contrasting Him sharply with their pagan deities and philosophical concepts. The Athenians, like many ancient peoples, believed their gods required human service, sacrifices, and offerings to sustain them or appease their perceived needs. Paul directly refutes this notion by stating that God is not "served by human hands, as though He *prosdéomai* (needed anything)." The use of *prosdéomai* here is crucial; it emphasizes that God does not have any inherent lack or deficiency that human actions could possibly fill or supplement. He is not in "additional need" of anything, for He is the ultimate Giver, the source of "life and breath and all things." This statement highlights God's absolute self-sufficiency and independence from His creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* δέομαι (deomai - `{{G1189}}`): The root verb, meaning "to beg, pray, ask for," or "to need." While *deomai* can denote a general need, *prosdéomai* specifies a *supplementary* or *additional* need.
* χρεία (chreia - `{{G5532}}`): A noun meaning "need, necessity, lack." This is a broader term for a state of needing something.
* ἐνδεής (endees - `{{G1729}}`): An adjective meaning "needy, lacking, destitute." It describes one who is in a state of want.
* **Divine Aseity:** The theological concept that God is self-existent and derives His existence from no other source. He is entirely independent and self-sufficient. This is the core truth affirmed by *prosdéomai* in [[Acts 17:25]].
* **Creator-Creature Distinction:** The fundamental theological truth that God, as Creator, is distinct from His creation. He is not dependent upon it, but rather, all creation is utterly dependent upon Him.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of *prosdéomai* in [[Acts 17:25]] serves as a cornerstone of biblical theology regarding the nature of God. It is a powerful affirmation of:
1. **Divine Aseity and Self-Sufficiency:** The most profound implication is God's absolute independence. He is not a being who possesses any inherent lack or deficiency that requires supplementation from human hands or anything within creation. God is complete within Himself, eternally full, and lacking nothing. This stands in stark contrast to the pagan deities who were often depicted as having human-like needs, desires, and dependencies.
2. **The True Nature of Worship:** If God needs nothing, then human worship and service are not a means to satisfy a divine need or to gain favor by filling a perceived lack in God. Instead, true worship is a humble, grateful response to God's boundless provision and sovereignty. Our service flows from His grace and our recognition of His ultimate authority and goodness, not from any obligation to supply Him.
3. **Creator-Creature Distinction:** The verse powerfully delineates the ontological chasm between the Creator and His creation. God is the Giver of "life and breath and all things," while humanity, and indeed all creation, are the recipients. This establishes a proper understanding of humanity's place in relation to God: we are utterly dependent, while He is utterly independent.
4. **Critique of Idolatry:** Paul's use of *prosdéomai* directly undermines the foundations of idolatry. Idolatry often arises from a flawed understanding of deity, where humans attempt to manipulate or appease a god through rituals and offerings, as if the god were limited or dependent. By asserting God's perfect self-sufficiency, Paul demonstrates the futility and blasphemy of such practices.
### Summary
The Greek word *prosdéomai* (`{{G4326}}`), meaning "to need additionally" or "to require something further," appears uniquely in [[Acts 17:25]]. In this pivotal verse, Paul declares that God "is not served by human hands, as though He needed anything," because He Himself is the source of "life and breath and all things." This singular occurrence powerfully encapsulates the profound theological truth of God's absolute aseity and self-sufficiency. It asserts that the Creator possesses no inherent lack or deficiency that His creation could possibly fulfill or supplement. Consequently, human worship and service are understood not as a means to satisfy divine needs, but as a grateful response to God's complete fullness and sovereign provision. The word *prosdéomai* thus serves as a critical affirmation of the Creator-creature distinction and a foundational critique against all forms of idolatry that misconstrue the nature of the Almighty.
TRV