from πρός and a derivative of the same as ὁρμή (meaning to tie (anchor) or lull); to moor to, i.e. (by implication) land at:--draw to the shore.
Transliteration:prosormízō
Pronunciation:pros-or-mid'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσορμίζω (prosormízō), `{{G4358}}`, is a compound word derived from the preposition πρός (pros), meaning "to, toward, near," and a root related to ὁρμός (hormos), which signifies a "mooring place" or "anchorage." The base definition provided indicates a connection to ὁρμή (hormē), `{{G3730}}`, but the nautical sense points more directly to *hormos*. Therefore, the core meaning of προσορμίζω is "to bring to a mooring place," "to anchor near," or "to come ashore." Its semantic range is distinctly nautical, describing the action of a vessel reaching and securing itself at a coastline or harbor, thereby completing a sea journey.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb προσορμίζω `{{G4358}}` appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark:
* [[Mark 6:53]]: "And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret, and **drew to the shore** (προσωρμίσθησαν)."
In this sole occurrence, the word describes the action of Jesus and His disciples bringing their boat to land after crossing the Sea of Galilee. This event immediately follows the miraculous feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water. The use of προσορμίζω here is literal and descriptive, indicating the successful completion of their journey across the water and their arrival at a specific destination, Gennesaret. It marks a transition point in the narrative, moving from the dramatic events on the sea to the subsequent ministry on land (healing the sick in Gennesaret, [[Mark 6:54-56]]). The term highlights the practical, physical act of reaching a safe harbor, grounding the extraordinary narrative in a tangible reality.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding προσορμίζω `{{G4358}}` is enhanced by considering related Greek terms and concepts:
* **πρός (pros)** `{{G4314}}`: The preposition forming the first part of the compound, indicating direction "to" or "towards," emphasizing the movement *towards* the shore.
* **ὁρμός (hormos)**: While not a New Testament word itself, it is the underlying noun for a "mooring place" or "anchorage," which is central to the meaning of προσορμίζω.
* **πλέω (pleō)** `{{G4142}}`: "to sail," representing the act of traversing the water.
* **διαπεράω (diaperaō)** `{{G1276}}`: "to cross over," as seen in [[Mark 6:53]] immediately preceding προσορμίζω, describing the journey itself.
* **κατάγω (katagō)** `{{G2609}}`: "to bring down," often used in a nautical context meaning "to put into port" or "to land," similar in outcome but different in emphasis (bringing *down* to land vs. *mooring* to land).
* **ἔρχομαι (erchomai)** `{{G2064}}`: The general verb "to come" or "to go," which describes movement, but προσορμίζω specifies the *manner* of arrival by boat.
* **ἀποβιβάζω (apobibazō)** `{{G655}}`: "to disembark," referring to the act of getting out of the boat once it has landed.
These related terms underscore the nautical context and the sequence of events involved in sea travel and arrival.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence, προσορμίζω `{{G4358}}` does not carry a deep, recurring theological significance as a standalone word. However, its placement in [[Mark 6:53]] offers subtle theological insights:
* **Divine Guidance and Safe Arrival:** The disciples' successful "drawing to the shore" after a perilous night on the sea, marked by a storm and Jesus walking on water, underscores God's providential care and guidance. It signifies a safe arrival, a secure end to a challenging journey, implying divine protection leading to a desired destination.
* **Transition in Ministry:** The act of landing marks a transition from a series of extraordinary events on the sea to a new phase of Jesus' public ministry in Gennesaret, characterized by widespread healing and teaching. The mundane act of mooring the boat serves as a quiet but necessary bridge between the miraculous and the ongoing work of the Kingdom.
* **Grounded Reality:** Even amidst divine power and miraculous interventions, the narrative retains its earthly, practical elements. The disciples still need to physically bring their boat to shore, reminding us that God's work often unfolds within the ordinary realities of human experience.
### Summary
προσορμίζω (prosormízō), `{{G4358}}`, is a precise Greek verb meaning "to moor to" or "to draw to the shore," emphasizing the act of a vessel securing itself at land. Its sole appearance in [[Mark 6:53]] describes Jesus and His disciples bringing their boat to the land of Gennesaret. While not a word with extensive theological weight in itself due to its singular use, its context is significant. It marks the culmination of a divinely guided journey, providing a secure arrival after supernatural events, and serving as a practical transition point for the continuation of Jesus' earthly ministry. The word thus subtly highlights themes of divine providence, safe passage, and the grounded reality of God's work unfolding within human experience.
TRV