from a compound of πρός and the base of ἑδραῖος; to sit near, i.e. attend as a servant:--wait at.
Transliteration:prosedreúō
Pronunciation:pros-ed-ryoo'-o
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσεδρεύω (prosedreúō), Strong's number `{{G4332}}`, is a compound word derived from πρός (pros), meaning "to, toward, near," and the base of ἑδραῖος (hedraios), meaning "seated, firm, steadfast." Etymologically, it conveys the literal sense of "to sit near" or "to be seated beside." This foundational meaning extends semantically to denote a state of constant presence, diligent attendance, or devoted service. The core idea is not merely proximity, but an active, sustained presence for the purpose of duty or ministration. It implies an attentive, fixed posture of being "at hand" or "waiting at" something or someone, typically in a serving capacity. The nuance of steadfastness from ἑδραῖος suggests a firm, unwavering commitment to this presence and service.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb προσεδρεύω appears only once in the New Testament, found in Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians:
* **[[1 Corinthians 9:13]]**: "Do you not know that those who minister in the temple eat from the temple, and those who wait at (προσεδρεύοντες) the altar share with the altar?"
In this passage, Paul is arguing for the right of those who preach the gospel to receive material support, drawing an analogy from the Old Testament Levitical system. He refers to the priests and Levites who served in the temple. The phrase "those who wait at (προσεδρεύοντες) the altar" describes the continuous, dedicated service of these individuals. Their "waiting at" the altar is not passive idleness but an active, constant engagement in their priestly duties, which included sacrifices, maintenance, and various liturgical functions. The term underscores their full-time commitment and sustained presence in their sacred office. This single occurrence powerfully illustrates the concept of devoted, unwavering attendance to a specific, often sacred, task or place.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding προσεδρεύω is enhanced by examining related Greek terms and concepts:
* **πρός (pros)** `{{G4314}}`: The preposition forming the first part of the compound, it emphasizes the direction towards, proximity, or relationship. In προσεδρεύω, it highlights the *nearness* and *attention toward* the object of service.
* **ἕδρα (hedra)** `{{G1476}}` (the base of ἑδραῖος): Meaning "seat" or "dwelling," it conveys the idea of a fixed, stable position. This contributes to the sense of a settled, enduring presence in προσεδρεύω.
* **ἑδραῖος (hedraios)** `{{G1476}}`: The adjective from which the base is derived, meaning "steadfast, firm, stable." This reinforces the notion of unwavering dedication and constant presence implied by προσεδρεύω.
* **λειτουργέω (leitourgeō)** `{{G3008}}`: To minister, perform public service, especially sacred service. While λειτουργέω describes the *act* of ministering, προσεδρεύω highlights the *manner* of that ministration – with constant, attentive presence.
* **διακονέω (diakoneō)** `{{G1247}}`: To serve, minister. Often implies humble, practical service. προσεδρεύω adds the dimension of continuous, dedicated attendance to this service.
* **λατρεύω (latreúō)** `{{G3000}}`: To serve, worship, especially in a religious context. This term focuses on the act of worshipful service, whereas προσεδρεύω emphasizes the persistent presence required for such service.
The concept of "attending" or "waiting" is key, but it is an active, purposeful waiting, akin to a servant always at the master's side, ready to fulfill commands.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of προσεδρεύω in [[1 Corinthians 9:13]] carries profound theological implications, particularly concerning the nature of sacred service and ministry:
1. **Dedicated Presence in Service:** The word underscores the necessity of a dedicated, continuous presence for those engaged in ministry. Just as the Levitical priests were to be constantly "at" the altar, so too is New Covenant ministry characterized by an unwavering commitment and availability to God and His people. It implies a full-time, devoted engagement rather than a casual or intermittent involvement.
2. **Proximity to the Sacred:** "Sitting near" or "waiting at" the altar signifies a close, intimate relationship with the sacred space and the divine functions performed there. Theologically, this can be understood as believers drawing near to God in worship, prayer, and service, maintaining a posture of readiness and receptivity in His presence.
3. **The Principle of Support for Ministry:** Paul employs προσεδρεύω to establish a divine principle: those who dedicate their lives wholly to spiritual service, like the priests who lived from the temple, are entitled to receive support. This highlights the value God places on such committed, full-time ministry and the responsibility of the community to sustain it.
4. **Active Devotion:** The term implies an active form of waiting – not passive idleness, but a state of readiness, attentiveness, and ongoing engagement in duties. For the Christian, this translates to a life of active devotion, being always prepared to serve, to listen, and to respond to God's call. It speaks to a life lived in constant awareness of one's spiritual duties and privileges.
### Summary
προσεδρεύω (prosedreúō) `{{G4332}}` is a powerful Greek verb that literally means "to sit near" but semantically extends to "to attend as a servant" or "to wait at" with diligent, continuous presence. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[1 Corinthians 9:13]] illustrates the dedicated, unwavering service of the Old Testament priests at the altar. This single usage encapsulates the theological principle of consistent, devoted presence and active engagement in sacred duties. It underscores the profound commitment required for ministry and provides a model for believers to maintain a posture of attentive, steadfast service and proximity to God in their spiritual lives.
TRV