### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4364 προσποιέομαι (prospoiéomai) is a compound word derived from the preposition πρός (pros), meaning "to, toward, in addition to," and the verb ποιέω (poieō) `{{G4160}}`, meaning "to make" or "to do." The middle voice inflection (-ομαι) indicates that the action is performed by the subject for their own benefit or upon themselves. Therefore, the core meaning is "to do something towards oneself" or "to present oneself as doing something." This semantic range extends to "to make as though," "to pretend," or "to feign," implying an outward demonstration that may not fully align with the inner reality or ultimate intention. It describes an act of appearing to be about to do something, or creating a particular impression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4364 προσποιέομαι appears only once in the New Testament, in a highly significant passage:
* **[[Luke 24:28]]**: "And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further." This verse describes Jesus' interaction with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection. As they approached Emmaus, Jesus "made as though" (ἐν G4364 προσποιέομαι) He intended to continue His journey. This was not an act of deception in a sinful sense, but a deliberate pedagogical maneuver. Jesus was not truly going to abandon them, but His action served to elicit a response from the disciples. Their invitation, "Abide with us," demonstrated their desire for His continued presence and teaching. This divine "pretence" was a catalyst for their spiritual readiness, leading to the revelation of His identity in the breaking of bread. The context reveals a purposeful and revelatory act, designed to draw out the disciples' faith and open their eyes to the resurrected Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G4364 προσποιέομαι is enhanced by examining its constituent parts and related concepts:
* **ποιέω (poieō) `{{G4160}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to do, make, perform." It is a fundamental verb of action.
* **πρός (pros) `{{G4314}}`**: The preposition indicating direction, relation, or addition. Its presence here suggests an action directed "towards" or "in front of" oneself.
* **ὑποκρίνομαι (hypokrinomai) `{{G5271}}`**: This verb means "to act a part," "to pretend," or "to be a hypocrite." While G4364 προσποιέομαι can involve pretense, ὑποκρίνομαι often carries a stronger negative connotation of insincerity or moral deceit, especially in the context of religious hypocrisy. Jesus' use of G4364 προσποιέομαι in [[Luke 24:28]] is distinct from the negative sense of ὑποκρίνομαι.
* **ἀπατάω (apataō) `{{G538}}`**: To deceive, mislead. This word implies intentional falsehood for the purpose of trickery.
* **πειράζω (peirazō) `{{G3985}}`**: To test, try, tempt. While Jesus' action in [[Luke 24:28]] is not a "temptation" in the negative sense, it functions as a test of the disciples' earnestness and desire for His presence.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G4364 προσποιέομαι in the New Testament, specifically in the account of the Emmaus road, carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Pedagogy**: Jesus' "making as though" illustrates a divine method of teaching and spiritual formation. He does not force revelation but orchestrates circumstances that invite human participation and desire. This action serves as a catalyst for the disciples to voice their need and invite Him into their lives, preparing their hearts for the profound truth of His resurrection.
* **The Nature of Revelation**: God often reveals Himself not in an overwhelming, undeniable display, but through interactions that require faith, invitation, and discernment. Jesus' action respects human free will while guiding individuals toward deeper truth.
* **Distinction from Deception**: It is crucial to distinguish Jesus' use of G4364 προσποιέομαι from human deception or hypocrisy. His "pretence" is not rooted in malice or self-interest, but in divine love and a purposeful plan for His disciples' spiritual growth. It is a strategic act of grace, designed to draw out genuine longing and facilitate a deeper encounter.
* **Invitation to Intimacy**: The moment Jesus "made as though" He would go further was a pivotal point, prompting the disciples to extend an invitation. This highlights the reciprocal nature of the divine-human relationship, where God often waits for our invitation to draw closer and reveal more of Himself.
### Summary
G4364 προσποιέομαι (prospoiéomai) means "to make as though," "to pretend," or "to feign," derived from "to do forward for oneself." Its sole New Testament occurrence is in [[Luke 24:28]], where Jesus "made as though he would have gone further" with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. This act was not deceptive but a deliberate pedagogical strategy, designed to elicit a genuine invitation from the disciples and prepare them for His self-revelation. Theologically, it underscores Christ's purposeful and gracious engagement with humanity, demonstrating how He orchestrates circumstances to invite human desire, foster spiritual readiness, and lead to deeper encounters with divine truth. It stands apart from negative forms of pretense, highlighting a unique aspect of divine pedagogy and the nature of revelation.
TRV