from πρός and ῥήγνυμι; to tear towards, i.e. burst upon (as a tempest or flood):--beat vehemently against (upon).
Transliteration:prosrḗgnymi
Pronunciation:pros-rayg'-noo-mee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word προσρήγνυμι (prosrḗgnymi), Strong's `{{G4366}}`, is a compound verb formed from the preposition πρός (pros), meaning "to, toward, against," and the verb ῥήγνυμι (rhēgnymi), meaning "to break, tear, or burst." The combination yields a powerful sense of "breaking against," "bursting upon," or "dashing vehemently against." It conveys an aggressive, forceful impact, often implying a sudden and overwhelming assault. The core meaning emphasizes a destructive or disruptive force that strikes with great intensity, as seen in its application to a tempest or flood that "beats vehemently against" a structure. Its semantic range is narrow but potent, focusing exclusively on this violent, external impact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word προσρήγνυμι (prosrḗgnymi) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke, within Jesus' parable of the two builders:
* **[[Luke 6:48]]**: "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck (ἔσκηψεν) that house, but could not shake it, because it was well built."
* **[[Luke 6:49]]**: "But the one who heard my words and did not put them into practice is like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent *beat vehemently against* (προσερρήχθη) that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
In this sole occurrence, προσερρήχθη (proserrḗchthē), the aorist passive indicative of προσρήγνυμι, vividly describes the sudden, forceful impact of the floodwaters against the house. The context is didactic, contrasting the fate of a house built on a secure foundation (rock) with one built without a foundation (on the earth). The "beating vehemently against" signifies the extreme external pressure or assault that tests the integrity of the structure. For the house on rock, the impact is resisted; for the house without a foundation, the violent striking results in catastrophic collapse. The word underscores the severity and destructive potential of the forces encountered.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root word related to προσρήγνυμι is ῥήγνυμι (rhēgnymi) `{{G4486}}`, which means "to break, tear, burst open." This root is used in various contexts, from tearing garments to breaking nets or bursting wineskins. The prefix πρός (pros) `{{G4314}}` adds the directional intensity, indicating a "breaking *against*."
Concepts related to προσρήγνυμι include:
* **Trials and Tribulations:** The "flood" or "torrent" metaphorically represents life's challenges, adversities, persecutions, and temptations that assault believers.
* **Foundations:** The stability or instability of a structure (spiritual life) depends entirely on its foundation.
* **Steadfastness:** The ability to withstand the "beating vehemently against" implies spiritual resilience and endurance.
* **Collapse/Destruction:** The outcome for those lacking a proper foundation when confronted by overwhelming forces.
* Other words for "flood" or "storm" like πλημμύρα (plēmmýra) `{{G4131}}` (flood) or χειμάρρους (cheimarrhous) `{{G5494}}` (winter torrent), though not directly related by root, share the contextual imagery of overwhelming natural forces.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of προσρήγνυμι in [[Luke 6:49]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark warning about the inevitable and forceful trials that will test one's spiritual foundation. The "torrent" or "flood" represents not merely everyday difficulties, but severe, potentially overwhelming pressures—whether they be spiritual attacks, societal persecution, personal crises, or even the ultimate judgment.
The word highlights the *intensity* and *suddenness* of these trials. They do not merely "touch" the house; they "beat vehemently against" it, implying a direct, powerful, and potentially destructive assault. Jesus' teaching emphasizes that true wisdom lies not merely in hearing His words, but in *doing* them ([[Luke 6:47]]). Obedience to Christ's teachings is the "rock" foundation upon which one's life must be built. When the "torrent beats vehemently against" such a life, it stands firm. Conversely, a life built on superficial hearing without obedience—a "house without a foundation"—is utterly vulnerable to these same forces, leading to complete and devastating collapse.
Thus, προσρήγνυμι underscores the critical importance of a deep, obedient relationship with Christ as the only safeguard against the destructive forces of life and the ultimate judgment. It vividly portrays the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of true discipleship for enduring stability.
### Summary
προσρήγνυμι (prosrḗgnymi) `{{G4366}}` is a rare but impactful Greek verb, appearing only once in the New Testament in [[Luke 6:49]]. It describes a forceful, vehement "beating against" or "bursting upon," specifically referring to a flood's destructive impact on a house. Etymologically rooted in πρός (to/against) and ῥήγνυμι (to break/burst), it conveys an intense, often sudden, and potentially catastrophic assault. Theologically, its sole occurrence in Jesus' parable of the two builders serves as a powerful metaphor for the severe trials and tribulations that will test the spiritual foundation of individuals. It underscores the absolute necessity of building one's life on the obedient practice of Christ's teachings to withstand such overwhelming forces and avoid spiritual collapse. The word vividly portrays the reality of external pressures and the non-negotiable requirement for a deep, resilient faith.
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