### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **prosēlóō**, represented by `{{G4338}}`, means to peg to, or to spike fast. This specific and forceful term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, highlighting a singular, decisive action with profound theological importance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G4338}}` is found in [[Colossians 2:14]], where it provides a powerful visual for the work of Christ on the cross. The verse describes God "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us... and took it out of the way, **nailing** it to his cross." The object being nailed fast is the "handwriting of ordinances" `{{G5498}}` `{{G1378}}`, a legal document of debt that stood contrary to humanity. The act of nailing it to the cross signifies its public cancellation and complete removal.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words used alongside `{{G4338}}` in its only context illuminate its meaning:
* `{{G1813}}` **exaleíphō** (to smear out, i.e. obliterate): This action, translated as "blotting out," is parallel to nailing. It is used elsewhere to describe God wiping away tears [[Revelation 21:4]] and the blotting out of sins [[Acts 3:19]].
* `{{G5498}}` **cheirógraphon** (something hand-written, i.e. a legal document or bond): This is what is nailed to the cross. Its only appearance in scripture is in this verse, emphasizing its role as a record of debt that is cancelled [[Colossians 2:14]].
* `{{G142}}` **aírō** (to lift up; by implication, to take up or away): Translated as "took," this word reinforces the idea of removal. It is also used in the context of taking away sin [[John 1:29]] and taking up one's cross to follow Christ [[Matthew 16:24]].
* `{{G4716}}` **staurós** (a stake or post... a cross): This is the object to which the handwriting is nailed. It represents not just an instrument of death but, by implication, the atonement of Christ, where our debt is paid [[Colossians 2:14]] and peace is made [[Colossians 1:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4338}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful application.
* **Permanent Cancellation of Debt:** By **nailing** the "handwriting of ordinances" to the cross, the legal document that stood against humanity is publicly and permanently voided. The act of spiking it fast implies a finality that cannot be reversed [[Colossians 2:14]].
* **The Cross as Public Proclamation:** The act of nailing something to a post was a form of public display. This imagery suggests that the cancellation of our debt was not a secret act but a public declaration of victory accomplished on the cross [[Colossians 2:14]].
* **Union of the Problem and Solution:** The ordinances that were "contrary to us" are affixed to the very cross that brings salvation. This act demonstrates that the source of condemnation was dealt with at the source of our redemption [[Colossians 2:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4338}}` is far more than a simple verb. Though used only once, **prosēlóō** provides one of the most vivid and legally significant images of the atonement in scripture. It portrays the work of Christ not merely as a covering for sin but as a decisive, permanent, and public cancellation of the debt that stood against believers, spiked fast to the cross and rendered powerless.
TRV