from πρός and κληρόω; to give a common lot to, i.e. (figuratively) to associate with:--consort with.
Transliteration:prosklēróō
Pronunciation:pros-klay-ro'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4345 (προσκληρόω, transliterated *prosklēróō*) is a compound word derived from the preposition πρός (*pros*), meaning "to, toward, in addition to," and the verb κληρόω (*klēróō*, `{{G2820}}`), meaning "to cast lots, to obtain by lot, to assign by lot." The root of κληρόω is κλῆρος (*klēros*, `{{G2819}}`), which signifies a "lot," "portion," or "inheritance."
Literally, προσκληρόω conveys the sense of "to assign by lot to someone" or "to give a common lot to." This implies a sharing of destiny or portion. Figuratively, and as used in the New Testament, it extends to mean "to associate with," "to join oneself to," or "to consort with." The nuance is one of active alignment or voluntary attachment to a group or individual, often implying a shared purpose or fate. It suggests more than mere proximity; it speaks to a deliberate decision to participate in a common experience or mission.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4345 (προσκληρόω) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
> And some of them were persuaded and *consorted with* Paul and Silas, and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the leading women not a few. [[Acts 17:4]]
In this passage, Paul and Silas are ministering in the synagogue in Thessalonica. Following Paul's exposition of the Scriptures, some of the Jews, a great multitude of devout Greeks, and a significant number of leading women are described as having "consorted with" (προσκληρόω) them.
The context reveals a decisive act of alignment. Those who "consorted with" Paul and Silas were not merely intellectually convinced by their message; they actively joined themselves to the apostles, indicating a commitment to their teaching and, by extension, to the nascent Christian community. This was a significant step, as aligning with the apostles meant embracing their message about Jesus as the Christ, which often led to opposition and persecution. The word here underscores the formation of a new fellowship, a sharing of purpose and, potentially, suffering, as a direct result of embracing the gospel. It signifies a tangible commitment to the new way of life proclaimed by the apostles.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words stem from the root κλῆρος (lot, inheritance):
* κληρόω (*klēróō*, `{{G2820}}`): "to obtain an inheritance," "to assign by lot." This is the verbal component of προσκληρόω.
* κλῆρος (*klēros*, `{{G2819}}`): "lot," "portion," "inheritance," "share." This noun forms the semantic core of the compound verb.
Other related concepts, though not etymologically linked, share the idea of joining or association:
* κοινωνία (*koinōnia*, `{{G2842}}`): "fellowship," "communion," "sharing." This word describes the deep relational bond and shared participation among believers, a state which προσκληρόω can describe the initial act of entering.
* συν- compounds: Many Greek words begin with the prefix συν- (*syn*), meaning "with" or "together" (e.g., συνίστημι *synistēmi*, `{{G4921}}`, "to stand with"; συνάγω *synagō*, `{{G4863}}`, "to gather together"). While προσκληρόω uses πρός, the outcome is similar: a coming together and association.
* Discipleship: The act of "consorting with" Paul and Silas is akin to becoming a follower or disciple, committing to their teaching and mission.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G4345 (προσκληρόω) in [[Acts 17:4]] carries significant theological weight. It highlights the nature of conversion and the formation of the early church.
1. **Voluntary Alignment:** The word emphasizes a deliberate and active choice to align oneself with the apostles and their message. It is not a passive reception but an intentional joining, signifying a commitment to the new faith. This act of "consorting" implies a willingness to share in the apostles' mission, their experiences, and potentially their sufferings for the gospel.
2. **Shared Destiny in Christ:** The underlying meaning of "common lot" or "shared portion" suggests that those who προσκληρόω with the apostles are, by extension, sharing in the lot of Christ. This "lot" is not one of random chance but of divine appointment and salvation, as well as the challenges inherent in following the Messiah.
3. **Formation of Community:** The word describes the initial step in the formation of the Christian community. People from diverse backgrounds—Jews, devout Greeks, and leading women—were drawn together into a new fellowship, transcending social and ethnic divisions. This act of joining was foundational to the establishment of the church in Thessalonica.
4. **The Power of the Gospel:** The fact that people were persuaded and then "consorted with" Paul and Silas testifies to the compelling power of the gospel message. It was not merely intellectual assent but a transformative call to a new way of life and a new identity in Christ.
### Summary
G4345 (προσκληρόω) is a Greek verb meaning "to give a common lot to," and by extension, "to associate with" or "to consort with." It appears uniquely in [[Acts 17:4]], describing how various individuals in Thessalonica were persuaded by Paul and Silas's preaching and actively joined themselves to the apostles. This word highlights a deliberate, voluntary act of alignment and commitment to the gospel message and its messengers. Theologically, it signifies the formation of the early Christian community through a shared destiny in Christ, underscoring the transformative power of the gospel to draw diverse individuals into a unified fellowship and purpose.
TRV