neuter of a presumed compound of πρός and κεφαλή; something for the head, i.e. a cushion:--pillow.
Transliteration:proskephálaion
Pronunciation:pros-kef-al'-ahee-on
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word προσκεφάλαιον (proskephálaion), Strong's number `{{G4344}}`, is a neuter noun derived from a presumed compound of the preposition πρός (pros, `{{G4314}}`), meaning "to, toward, against," and the noun κεφαλή (kephalē, `{{G2776}}`), meaning "head." Etymologically, it therefore signifies "something for the head" or "that which is placed at the head." Its core meaning is strictly literal: a cushion or pillow designed to support the head, facilitating rest or sleep. There is no evidence within biblical usage or broader Koine Greek to suggest a metaphorical or abstract semantic range for this specific term; it consistently refers to a physical object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word προσκεφάλαιον (proskephálaion) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Mark:
* **[[Mark 4:38]]**: "But he was in the stern, asleep on the pillow; and they woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?'"
This sole occurrence is found within the narrative of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. The context is crucial: Jesus and His disciples are crossing the lake in a boat when a sudden, violent squall arises, threatening to capsize their vessel. Amidst the terrifying chaos and the disciples' panic, Jesus is found sleeping peacefully in the stern, resting His head upon a προσκεφάλαιον.
The detail of the προσκεφάλαιον is simple yet profound. It highlights Jesus' genuine humanity—He, like any human, required sleep and sought comfort. The presence of such an item in a fishing boat suggests it was a common, perhaps even essential, piece of equipment for extended journeys or periods of rest. More significantly, Jesus' ability to sleep soundly on this pillow, undisturbed by the raging storm that terrified His experienced fisherman disciples, underscores His unparalleled peace and profound trust in the Father's sovereignty. The pillow itself is not the object of focus, but rather the act of sleeping upon it, which serves as a powerful testament to Christ's divine composure amidst human peril.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is κεφαλή (kephalē, `{{G2776}}`), "head," which forms the root of προσκεφάλαιον. The preposition πρός (pros, `{{G4314}}`), "to, toward," further defines its purpose or placement. Other related verbs in the context of sleep include καθεύδω (katheudō, `{{G2518}}`), "to sleep soundly," and κοιμάομαι (koimaomai, `{{G2837}}`), "to sleep."
While προσκεφάλαιον is unique to [[Mark 4:38]], the concept of a "pillow" or "headrest" appears elsewhere in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament). For instance, in [[1 Samuel 19:13]] and [[1 Samuel 26:7]], the term ὑποκεφάλαιον (hypokephalion), meaning "that which is under the head," is used to describe a pillow. A notable Old Testament parallel in concept, though not in specific Greek terminology, is Jacob's use of a stone as a pillow in [[Genesis 28:11]] during his dream of Jacob's ladder, illustrating a primitive form of headrest for rest. These instances, though using different Greek terms, underscore the ancient and universal human need for a place to rest one's head.
Thematically, the word connects to concepts of rest, peace, trust, and human vulnerability contrasted with divine power and serenity.
### Theological Significance
The προσκεφάλαιον in [[Mark 4:38]] serves as a humble yet potent symbol in the revelation of Christ's nature. Its theological significance lies not in the object itself, but in what it reveals about Jesus:
1. **Christ's Full Humanity:** The presence of the pillow and Jesus' use of it for sleep affirms His genuine humanity. He experienced physical fatigue and the need for rest, just as any human being does. This detail underscores the Incarnation—God truly became flesh and dwelt among us, sharing in our human experiences, including vulnerability and the need for sustenance and sleep.
2. **Profound Peace and Trust:** Most significantly, the προσkephálaion facilitates Jesus' deep, undisturbed sleep amidst a life-threatening storm. This profound peace stands in stark contrast to the disciples' terror and panic. It powerfully illustrates Jesus' absolute trust in His Father's sovereign care and His intrinsic authority over creation. His ability to rest so serenely in such circumstances is a testament to His divine composure and perfect faith.
3. **An Object Lesson in Faith:** For the disciples, and for all believers, Jesus' sleep on the προσκεφάλαιον becomes an object lesson in faith. It challenges us to consider where our peace lies when the storms of life rage. Jesus models a rest that transcends circumstances, rooted in an unwavering confidence in God's control and presence. The pillow itself, therefore, implicitly points to the spiritual truth that true rest and peace are found in Him.
### Summary
The Greek word προσκεφάλαιον (proskephálaion, `{{G4344}}`) literally means a "pillow" or "cushion" for the head, deriving from πρός ("to, toward") and κεφαλή ("head"). Its singular occurrence in the New Testament, in [[Mark 4:38]], depicts Jesus sleeping soundly on such an item in the stern of a boat during a violent storm. This seemingly minor detail carries profound theological weight. It highlights Jesus' authentic humanity, demonstrating His need for rest. More importantly, His undisturbed sleep on the προσκεφάλαιον amidst chaos powerfully illustrates His unparalleled peace and absolute trust in the Father's sovereignty. The pillow thus serves as a quiet, yet eloquent, witness to Christ's divine composure and His unique ability to rest in God's perfect control, offering a compelling example of faith and serenity for all who navigate the storms of life.
TRV