from πρός and πίπτω; to fall towards, i.e. (gently) prostrate oneself (in supplication or homage), or (violently) to rush upon (in storm):--beat upon, fall (down) at (before).
Transliteration:prospíptō
Pronunciation:pros-pip'-to
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb prospíptō (`{{G4363}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρός (pros), meaning "towards" or "in the direction of," and the verb πίπτω (piptō), meaning "to fall." Thus, its core meaning is "to fall towards." This seemingly simple action carries a rich semantic range in the biblical text, encompassing both gentle and violent connotations.
On one hand, prospíptō describes a deliberate and often reverent act of prostration. This involves falling down at the feet of another, signifying humility, supplication, homage, or worship. It is a posture of submission and dependence, an outward expression of an inward recognition of superior authority, power, or holiness.
On the other hand, the term can denote a violent or forceful impact. This can refer to natural phenomena, such as a storm "beating upon" a structure, or a sudden, involuntary collapse, perhaps due to divine judgment or overwhelming fear. The context is crucial for discerning which aspect of its semantic range is in view.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of prospíptō in the New Testament highlight its dual nature, though the gentle, reverential sense predominates.
In the Gospels, prospíptō frequently describes individuals falling before Jesus, often in an act of urgent supplication or profound recognition:
* In [[Mark 3:11]], unclean spirits "fell down before him," acknowledging His divine authority. This is an involuntary act compelled by His presence.
* [[Mark 5:22]] depicts Jairus, a synagogue official, "falling at his feet" to plead for his dying daughter, demonstrating desperate faith and humility.
* Similarly, the Syrophoenician woman in [[Mark 7:25]] "fell at his feet" in a fervent appeal for her demon-possessed daughter, showcasing persistent faith.
* Simon Peter, overwhelmed by the miraculous catch of fish, "fell down at Jesus' knees" in [[Luke 5:8]], recognizing Jesus' holiness and his own sinfulness.
* The woman with the discharge of blood, after being healed, "fell down before him" in [[Luke 8:47]], confessing her act and giving thanks.
* The Samaritan leper, the only one of ten to return, "fell down at his feet" in [[Luke 17:16]], expressing profound gratitude and worship.
These instances consistently portray prospíptō as a posture of humility, desperation, worship, or awe in the presence of Jesus' power and authority.
Beyond supplication, the term also appears in contexts of fear or divine judgment:
* In [[Acts 5:10]], Sapphira "fell down immediately and died" after Peter confronted her lie, illustrating a sudden, fatal collapse as a result of divine judgment, rather than an act of worship.
* The Philippian jailer, after the earthquake, "fell down before Paul and Silas" in [[Acts 16:29]], trembling with fear and seeking salvation. This act combines fear with a nascent recognition of divine power.
The "violent" aspect of prospíptō is clearly seen in the parable of the two builders:
* In [[Matthew 7:25]] and [[Matthew 7:27]], the rains and floods "beat upon" (prospíptō) the houses. Here, it describes the forceful impact of destructive natural elements.
### Related Words & Concepts
Prospíptō shares semantic space with several other Greek terms related to bowing or falling, yet it maintains its distinct nuance:
* **πίπτω (piptō `{{G4098}}`):** The root verb, meaning simply "to fall." Prospíptō adds the directional "towards," making the fall intentional or directed, often towards a person or object.
* **προσκυνέω (proskyneō `{{G4352}}`):** This verb specifically means "to prostrate oneself in homage or worship." While prospíptō describes the physical act of falling towards, proskyneō emphasizes the *attitude* of worship or adoration. An act of prospíptō can certainly be a prelude to or a component of proskyneō, but the former is the physical motion, the latter the spiritual intent.
* **γόνυ κλίνω (gonu klinō):** "To bend the knee," another posture of reverence or supplication, often implying a less complete prostration than prospíptō.
The concepts evoked by prospíptō include:
* **Humility and Submission:** The act itself demonstrates a lowering of oneself before another.
* **Urgent Supplication:** It often accompanies desperate pleas for intervention or mercy.
* **Reverence and Worship:** Especially when directed towards Jesus, it signifies recognition of His divine status and an offering of honor.
* **Overwhelming Power:** Whether divine judgment or natural force, the word conveys an encounter with an irresistible power.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of prospíptō lies in its powerful depiction of human response to divine presence and power.
1. **Recognition of Divine Authority:** The repeated instances of individuals and even spirits falling before Jesus underscore His inherent authority and divine nature. It is an acknowledgment of His unique status as Lord and Son of God. This physical act serves as a visible confession of His identity.
2. **Expression of Faith and Dependence:** When individuals fall at Jesus' feet in supplication, it is an act of profound faith, demonstrating a complete reliance on His ability and willingness to help. It signifies a casting aside of self-reliance in favor of divine intervention.
3. **Postures of Worship and Gratitude:** The act of falling down, particularly when accompanied by thanksgiving (as with the Samaritan leper), becomes a form of worship. It is a physical manifestation of adoration and profound gratitude, recognizing God's goodness and power.
4. **Confrontation with Holiness:** Peter's falling at Jesus' knees, declaring himself a sinful man, highlights the overwhelming effect of encountering divine holiness. Prospíptō here signifies conviction and awe in the presence of the sacred.
5. **Divine Judgment and Natural Forces:** The less frequent but significant uses of prospíptō to describe a violent impact (like a storm or sudden death) serve as a reminder of the overwhelming and often destructive power that can emanate from the divine realm or be unleashed in the natural world. These instances emphasize the irresistible nature of such forces.
### Summary
Prospíptō (`{{G4363}}`) is a dynamic Greek verb meaning "to fall towards." Its semantic range encompasses both gentle acts of prostration—signifying humility, urgent supplication, homage, and worship—and violent impacts, such as a storm beating against a structure or a sudden, fatal collapse. In the New Testament, the predominant usage depicts individuals falling before Jesus, consistently conveying a deep sense of reverence, desperate need, profound gratitude, or awe in the face of His divine authority and compassionate power. The word powerfully communicates the physical manifestation of an internal state of humility, desperation, or worship, underscoring the overwhelming nature of the power, whether divine or natural, that is being encountered.
TRV