from πρός and a derivative of ἧλος; to peg to, i.e. spike fast:--nail to.
Transliteration:prosēlóō
Pronunciation:pros-ay-lo'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσηλόω (prosēlóō, `{{G4338}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition πρόσ (pros), meaning "to, toward, in addition to," and a derivative of the noun ἧλος (hēlos), meaning "a nail." Consequently, its core meaning is "to nail to," "to fasten with nails," or "to spike fast." The prefix πρόσ emphasizes the direction or attachment *to* something, implying a deliberate and secure affixing. The action denotes a forceful and permanent securing of one object to another through the use of nails or similar fasteners, suggesting an unalterable state once the action is complete.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προσηλόω (`{{G4338}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence carries immense theological weight:
* [[Colossians 2:14]]: "having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross." (ESV)
In this profound passage, Paul describes the redemptive work of Christ. The "χειρόγραφον" (cheirographon, `{{G5498}}`), which refers to a handwritten bond or certificate of debt, representing the legal demands and accusations of the Mosaic Law that stood against humanity, is the object of the verb προσηλόω. The context reveals that this "certificate of debt" was first "blotted out" or "canceled" (ἐξαλείψας, `{{G1813}}`) and then decisively "nailed to the cross" (προσηλώσας αὐτὸ τῷ σταυρῷ). This imagery is highly significant. In the ancient world, public decrees, accusations, or records of debt could be posted by nailing them to a prominent place for public display. By nailing the "certificate of debt" to the cross, Christ not only publicly declared its nullification but also definitively bound it to the very instrument of His atoning sacrifice. This act signifies the absolute and irreversible abolition of the Law's condemnation against believers, demonstrating a complete and public triumph over the legalistic demands that once held humanity captive.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of προσηλόω (`{{G4338}}`) is illuminated by its relationship to several key terms and concepts:
* ἧλος (hēlos): The root noun for "nail," directly informing the core action of προσηλόω.
* σταυρός (stauros, `{{G4716}}`): The "cross" itself, the object to which the "certificate of debt" is affixed. The cross is the central locus of Christ's redemptive work, making the act of nailing to it profoundly significant.
* ἐξαλείφω (exaleiphō, `{{G1813}}`): "To wipe out, blot out, erase." This verb precedes προσηλόω in [[Colossians 2:14]], indicating that the debt was first completely erased *before* it was nailed, emphasizing the thoroughness of Christ's work.
* χειρόγραφον (cheirographon, `{{G5498}}`): The "handwriting" or "certificate of debt" that is nailed. Understanding this term as the legal record of humanity's transgression and the Law's demands is crucial to grasping the impact of its nullification.
* Concepts: Atonement, redemption, forgiveness of sins, cancellation of debt, triumph over legalism, the finished work of Christ, liberation from condemnation, and the new covenant in Christ.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of προσηλόω (`{{G4338}}`) in [[Colossians 2:14]] imbues it with immense theological significance, serving as a powerful metaphor for Christ's completed work on the cross.
* **Definitive Abolition:** The act of "nailing" the "certificate of debt" to the cross signifies the definitive and public abolition of the Law's condemning power over believers. It is not merely set aside but decisively and irrevocably put to death with Christ.
* **Public Declaration of Victory:** Just as public notices were nailed for all to see, this act declares Christ's triumph over sin, death, and the principalities and powers that wielded the Law's condemnation. It is a public display of the nullification of the charges against humanity.
* **Completeness of Redemption:** The combined action of "blotting out" and "nailing" underscores the absolute completeness and finality of Christ's atoning sacrifice. There is no remaining debt or charge against those who are in Christ.
* **Freedom and Liberation:** For believers, this imagery speaks to profound freedom. They are no longer under the burden of legalistic demands or the condemnation of the Law, but are liberated by grace through faith in Christ's finished work.
* **Union with Christ:** The "nailing" connects the debt to the cross, the place of Christ's death. In a profound sense, the old covenant's demands and the record of humanity's failure were crucified *with* Christ, ensuring that believers, united with Him, are free from its power.
### Summary
The Greek word προσηλόω (prosēlóō, `{{G4338}}`) fundamentally means "to nail to" or "to fasten securely with nails." Its sole, yet profoundly impactful, appearance in [[Colossians 2:14]] describes Christ's decisive act of "nailing" the "certificate of debt" (representing the Law's condemnation) to the cross. This powerful imagery signifies the complete and public cancellation of humanity's sin-debt and the legal demands that stood against them. The act of nailing, following the "blotting out" of the debt, emphasizes the absolute finality, public declaration, and comprehensive triumph of Christ's redemptive work. It vividly portrays the liberation of believers from the condemnation of the Law, underscoring the finished and all-sufficient work of Christ on the cross, which secured their peace and freedom.
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