from πρός and πορεύομαι; to journey towards, i.e. approach (not the same as προπορεύομαι):--go before.
Transliteration:prosporeúomai
Pronunciation:pros-por-yoo'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G4365}}` (προσπορεύομαι, *prosporeúomai*) is a compound word formed from the preposition `{{G4314}}` (πρός, *pros*), meaning "to, towards, with," and the verb `{{G4198}}` (πορεύομαι, *poreúomai*), meaning "to go, journey, proceed." Etymologically, this compound clearly indicates a movement *towards* a specific destination or individual. Its core meaning is therefore "to journey towards," "to proceed to meet," or "to approach."
It is crucial to distinguish `{{G4365}}` from `{{G4354}}` (προπορεύομαι, *proporeúomai*), which is formed with the prefix `{{G4253}}` (πρό, *pro*), meaning "before" or "in front of." While `{{G4354}}` signifies "to go before" or "to precede" (as seen in [[Luke 1:76]] regarding John the Baptist), `{{G4365}}` distinctly conveys the sense of *approaching* or *going forward to meet* a specific point. The provided gloss "go before" for `{{G4365}}` in some lexicons, particularly when reflecting the King James Version's translation in its sole occurrence, should be understood in the archaic sense of "to go forward to meet" or "to approach a place in advance," rather than to precede someone in a procession.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{G4365}}` (προσπορεύομαι) appears only once in the entire New Testament, in the Gospel of Mark:
* **[[Mark 11:4]]**: "And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they `{{G4365}}` him." (KJV: "and they went and found the colt...and they went before him.")
In this passage, Jesus sends two of His disciples into a village to find a colt for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The phrase "and they `{{G4365}}` him" describes the disciples' action upon entering the village. The KJV's translation "went before" can be misleading if interpreted as "preceded Jesus." Rather, in context, it means they "went forward to meet" the situation, or simply "went and found" the colt as instructed. Many modern translations reflect this understanding: "So they went and found" (ESV, NASB), "They went and found" (NIV), "And they went and found" (NRSV). The disciples approached the designated place and found the colt, fulfilling Jesus' precise instructions. This single occurrence underscores the practical, directional aspect of the verb, describing a purposeful movement towards a specific objective.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{G4365}}` is enriched by examining its components and semantic kin:
* **`{{G4198}}` (πορεύομαι, *poreúomai*)**: The base verb meaning "to go, journey, proceed." This is a very common verb in the New Testament, describing various forms of movement, both literal and figurative (e.g., to live, to conduct oneself). `{{G4365}}` adds the specific directional nuance of "towards" to this general movement.
* **`{{G4314}}` (πρός, *pros*)**: The preposition "to, towards, with." This preposition is fundamental to the meaning of `{{G4365}}`, indicating the directionality of the movement.
* **`{{G4354}}` (προπορεύομαι, *proporeúomai*)**: As noted, this word is critical for contrast. While `{{G4365}}` means "to approach," `{{G4354}}` means "to go before, to precede." The distinction lies in the prefix: πρός (towards) vs. πρό (before).
* **Verbs of approaching/drawing near**: Other Greek verbs convey similar concepts of approach, though often with different nuances:
* `{{G1448}}` (ἐγγίζω, *engízō*): "to draw near, to approach."
* `{{G4133}}` (πλησιάζω, *plēsiázō*): "to draw near, to come near."
* `{{G2064}}` (ἔρχομαι, *érchomai*): "to come, to go." While general, it can denote movement towards a point.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence and descriptive nature, the theological significance of `{{G4365}}` (προσπορεύομαι) lies not in any inherent doctrinal weight of the word itself, but in the action it describes within a pivotal biblical narrative. In [[Mark 11:4]], the disciples' act of "going to meet" or "approaching" the village to find the colt is an act of simple obedience and preparation for the Lord's work.
This seemingly mundane action facilitates the fulfillment of prophecy concerning Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem ([[Zechariah 9:9]]). The word thus highlights:
1. **Divine Providence and Preparation**: The precise instructions given by Jesus and the disciples' exact execution demonstrate God's meticulous planning for the unfolding of redemptive history. Even the finding of a specific colt in a specific location is part of His sovereign plan.
2. **Disciples' Obedience**: The disciples "went and found" as instructed, showcasing their immediate and unquestioning obedience to Jesus' command. This act of approaching and securing the colt was a necessary step for Jesus to proceed with His public declaration as King.
3. **The Incarnate Lord's Authority**: Jesus' foreknowledge of the colt's location and the owner's response ([[Mark 11:2-3]]) underscores His divine omniscience and authority, even over seemingly trivial details. The disciples' `{{G4365}}` action is a response to this divine authority.
Therefore, while `{{G4365}}` is a word of simple motion, it describes an essential step in the divinely orchestrated events leading to the climax of Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem.
### Summary
`{{G4365}}` (προσπορεύομαι, *prosporeúomai*) is a Greek verb meaning "to journey towards," "to proceed to meet," or "to approach." Formed from `{{G4314}}` (πρός, "towards") and `{{G4198}}` (πορεύομαι, "to go"), it distinctly conveys directional movement. It is important to differentiate it from `{{G4354}}` (προπορεύομαι, "to go before"), which has a different prefix and meaning. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament is [[Mark 11:4]], where it describes the disciples "going and finding" the colt for Jesus' Triumphal Entry. In this context, the word highlights the disciples' obedient action in approaching a specific location to fulfill Jesus' precise instructions, thereby facilitating a crucial event in God's redemptive plan and demonstrating Jesus' divine foreknowledge and authority.
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