from πρός and ἔρχομαι (including its alternate); to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to:--(as soon as he) come (unto), come thereunto, consent, draw near, go (near, to, unto).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσέρχομαι (prosérchomai, `{{G4334}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρός (pros, `{{G4314}}`), meaning "to," "toward," or "facing," and the verb ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`), meaning "to come" or "to go." Therefore, its core meaning is "to come toward," "to approach," or "to draw near."
The semantic range of προσέρχομαι is broad, encompassing both literal and figurative applications:
1. **Literal Physical Approach:** This refers to the act of moving physically closer to a person, place, or object. Examples include individuals coming to Jesus, people approaching a city, or drawing near to a specific location.
2. **Figurative/Spiritual Approach:** This denotes a movement of the mind, heart, or spirit towards someone or something. This can include:
* **Worship and Supplication:** Drawing near to God in prayer, reverence, or seeking His favor.
* **Assent or Agreement:** Coming to terms with a proposition or consenting to an idea.
* **Seeking Instruction or Counsel:** Approaching a teacher or authority figure for guidance.
* **Coming into Relationship:** Establishing a connection or fellowship with another.
The prefix πρός inherently emphasizes the *direction* and *goal* of the coming, indicating a purposeful movement *towards* a specific object or person, rather than just a general arrival.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb προσέρχομαι is used frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and the Epistle to the Hebrews, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **In the Gospels:** It often describes people approaching Jesus, highlighting various intentions:
* **Seeking Healing or Deliverance:** The leper [[Matthew 8:2]], the centurion [[Matthew 8:5]], the woman with the hemorrhage [[Matthew 9:20]], or the blind men [[Matthew 20:30]] all "drew near" to Jesus, demonstrating faith and desperation.
* **Seeking Teaching or Clarification:** The disciples frequently "came to" Jesus to ask questions about parables [[Matthew 13:10]], to understand His teachings [[Matthew 15:12]], or to inquire about future events [[Matthew 24:3]].
* **Challenging or Testing:** Scribes and Pharisees often "approached" Jesus with questions designed to trap Him [[Matthew 22:23]], or to demand signs [[Matthew 16:1]].
* **Homage or Service:** The rich young ruler "came up" to Jesus to ask about eternal life [[Matthew 19:16]].
* **In Acts:** The word continues to describe physical approaches, such as people coming to hear the apostles [[Acts 18:6]] or to receive healing [[Acts 28:9]].
* **In Hebrews:** The use of προσέρχομαι takes on profound theological significance, focusing on the believer's access to God:
* **Bold Access to God's Throne:** Believers are exhorted to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace" [[Hebrews 4:16]], emphasizing the new covenant's provision for direct, unhindered access to God through Christ.
* **Christ as the Mediator of Access:** Jesus, as our great High Priest, "is able to save completely those who come to God through him" [[Hebrews 7:25]]. His intercession makes our approach possible and effective.
* **Contrast of Covenants:** A powerful contrast is drawn in [[Hebrews 12:18-24]]. The Israelites "came to" Mount Sinai, a place of terrifying fire and divine judgment, inspiring fear and separation. In contrast, believers "have come to" Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, to the city of the living God, to myriads of angels, to the assembly of the firstborn, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant. This highlights the shift from a covenant of distance to one of intimate fellowship.
* **Imperfect Old Covenant Approach:** The Law's sacrifices could not perfect those who "drew near" [[Hebrews 10:1]], indicating their temporary and preparatory nature compared to Christ's definitive sacrifice.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`):** The base verb "to come" or "to go." προσέρχομαι specifies the *direction* of coming ("to come toward").
* **ἐγγίζω (engizō, `{{G1448}}`):** "To draw near," "to approach." While similar in meaning, ἐγγίζω often emphasizes proximity, whereas προσέρχομαι stresses the intentional movement *towards* a destination or person.
* **προσαγωγή (prosagogē, `{{G4318}}`):** A related noun meaning "access" or "introduction." This term, derived from the same root, describes the means or act by which one is brought into the presence of another, particularly God. It is used in [[Ephesians 2:18]] and [[Ephesians 3:12]] to speak of our "access" to the Father through Christ by the Spirit.
* **πλησιάζω (plēsiázō, `{{G4133}}`):** "To come near," "to be close to."
* **Theological Concepts:** Access to God, drawing near to God, worship, prayer, fellowship, mediation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of προσέρχομαι is profound, particularly in its New Testament usage:
* **God's Accessibility through Christ:** The most prominent theological implication is that through Jesus Christ, God has made Himself accessible to humanity. The frequent use of the word in Hebrews underscores that the veil separating humanity from God has been torn, and believers can now "draw near" to God's very presence, not with fear, but with confidence. This is a radical departure from the Old Covenant's restrictions on access.
* **Active Faith and Response:** While God initiates salvation, προσέρχομαι often describes the human response of active faith. It implies a volitional act of seeking, believing, and drawing near to Christ for salvation, healing, wisdom, or spiritual communion. It is not a passive reception but an intentional movement of the heart.
* **The Efficacy of Christ's Priesthood:** The Epistle to the Hebrews explicitly links our ability to "draw near" to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and ongoing intercession of Jesus as our High Priest. He is the one who makes our approach holy and acceptable to God. Our prosérchomai is entirely dependent on His prosérchomai to the Father on our behalf.
* **Covenantal Shift:** The stark contrast in [[Hebrews 12]] between the terrifying approach to Sinai and the joyful, confident approach to Zion encapsulates the fundamental difference between the Old and New Covenants. The New Covenant, established by Christ's blood, replaces fear and separation with grace, intimacy, and direct communion.
* **Foundation for Worship and Prayer:** The command to "draw near" forms the basis for all Christian worship and prayer. It is an invitation to enter into the divine presence, to present petitions, offer praise, and experience fellowship with the living God.
### Summary
The Greek verb προσέρχομαι (`{{G4334}}`), meaning "to approach" or "to draw near," signifies a purposeful movement towards a person, place, or spiritual reality. While it describes literal physical proximity in many New Testament contexts (e.g., individuals approaching Jesus for healing or teaching), its most profound theological application is found in the Epistle to the Hebrews. There, προσέρχομαι powerfully conveys the believer's privileged and confident access to God through the finished work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. This access, a hallmark of the New Covenant, stands in stark contrast to the restricted and fear-inducing approach of the Old Covenant. Thus, prosérchomai encapsulates both humanity's active response of faith in seeking God and God's gracious provision of direct, unhindered communion through His Son.
TRV