English · KJV
G4363

προσπίπτω

prospíptō /pros-pip'-to/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom πρός and πίπτω
Meaningto fall towards, i.e. (gently) prostrate oneself (in supplication or homage), or (violently) to rush upon (in storm)
KJV usagebeat upon, fall (down) at (before).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of prospíptō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word prospíptō, represented by G4363, means to fall towards. It appears 8 times in 8 unique verses. The word carries a dual meaning, describing both a gentle act of prostrating oneself in supplication or homage, and the violent action of a storm rushing upon or beating against something.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G4363 illustrates two distinct reactions to power. It is used metaphorically to describe the force of a storm, where the winds beat upon a house Matthew 7:25. More frequently, it depicts a physical posture of submission and worship. Unclean spirits, recognizing Jesus' authority, fell down before him and proclaimed he was the Son of God Mark 3:11. Similarly, Simon Peter, overwhelmed by a miraculous catch of fish, fell down at Jesus' knees in humility Luke 5:8.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context in which G4363 is used:

  • G5141 trémō (to tremble or fear): This emotional state often accompanies the physical act of falling down. A woman who was healed came trembling, and falling down before Jesus to declare what had happened Luke 8:47.
  • G1790 éntromos (terrified): This intensified state of fear is seen when the Philippian jailer came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas after witnessing an earthquake Acts 16:29.
  • G2896 krázō (to cry out): The act of falling down is often paired with a vocal exclamation. Unclean spirits fell down before him and cried, "Thou art the Son of God" Mark 3:11.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4363 is significant, highlighting the proper response to divine presence and power.

  • Acknowledgment of Authority: The act of falling down is a consistent reaction by both humans and spirits when confronted with the true identity of Jesus Christ. It is a posture that recognizes superior authority and holiness (Mark 3:11, Luke 8:28).
  • Response to Miraculous Power: Individuals fall before Jesus or his followers in moments of desperation, awe, or profound gratitude. This is seen in the woman seeking healing Mark 7:25, Simon Peter after the catch of fish Luke 5:8, and the jailer after his prisoners were freed Acts 16:29.
  • Yielding to an Overwhelming Force: Whether describing a person overcome with awe or a house struck by a storm, the word conveys the idea of yielding to a force that is greater than oneself Matthew 7:25.

Summary

In summary, G4363 is a powerful verb that captures a physical response to an overwhelming force or presence. It can depict the violent impact of nature, but it is most often used to show a person or spirit physically submitting to the divine authority and power of Jesus Christ and his followers. The act of falling down signifies recognition, supplication, and worship.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 8 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 5×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G5141 τρέμω strengthened from a primary (to "dread", "terrify"); to "tremble" or fear:--be afraid, trembling. G1790 ἔντρομος from ἐν and τρόμος; terrified:--X quake, X trembled. G2896 κράζω a primary verb; properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e. (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intrea

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 8 verses across 4 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Mark and Luke (3 verses each); never once in the other 23.

1
Matthew
3
Mark
3
Luke
1
Acts

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.