English · KJV
G4367

προστάσσω

prostássō /pros-tas'-so/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom πρός and τάσσω
Meaningto arrange towards, i.e. (figuratively) enjoin
KJV usagebid, command.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of prostássō — 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 prostássō, represented by G4367, means to arrange towards, or figuratively to enjoin or command. It is a specific term for issuing a directive, appearing only 7 times in 7 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage consistently points to an authoritative instruction that expects compliance.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G4367 is used to convey commands from various figures of authority. Jesus uses the term when instructing a cleansed man to perform the offering that Moses commanded (Matthew 8:4, Mark 1:44, Luke 5:14). It is also used to describe obedience to a divine messenger, as when Joseph "did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him" Matthew 1:24. The word signifies an apostolic directive when Peter commanded Cornelius's household to be baptized Acts 10:48. Furthermore, it is used to express readiness to obey a divine instruction, as Cornelius states he is ready to hear all things commanded by God Acts 10:33.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context of a command:

  • G3853 parangéllō (to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin): This word for giving a charge is used in parallel with G4367 in Luke's account of the cleansed man, where Jesus first "charged" him and then referred to what Moses had "commanded" Luke 5:14.
  • G3475 Mōseús (Moses... the Hebrew lawgiver): This name establishes the legal foundation for a command Jesus upholds. The offering was commanded by Moses, connecting Jesus's instruction to the existing law Mark 1:44.
  • G907 baptízō (to immerse, submerge... of the ordinance of Christian baptism): This word defines the specific action that Peter commanded in Acts, demonstrating how G4367 serves as the authoritative basis for a key Christian practice Acts 10:48.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4367 is demonstrated in its specific applications.

  • Divine Authority: The word is reserved for commands issued by God Acts 10:33, Jesus Christ Matthew 21:6, or a direct heavenly messenger Matthew 1:24, underscoring a chain of divine command.
  • Upholding of Law: Jesus's instruction for the cleansed man to follow what Moses commanded shows that His authority works in concert with, rather than in opposition to, the established Law, using it as a testimony Matthew 8:4.
  • Apostolic Action: The term is used by Peter to command baptism in the name of the Lord, establishing a precedent for apostolic authority in directing the practices of the early church Acts 10:48.

Summary

In summary, G4367 prostássō is a precise term for an authoritative command. Though used sparingly, its appearances are significant, linking the commands of Moses, angels, Jesus, and the apostles. It highlights a clear structure of authority and the expectation of obedience, whether in fulfilling the Law, heeding a divine message, or participating in the foundational ordinances of the faith.

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 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 6×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Plural Neuter 1×
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
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.

G3853 παραγγέλλω from παρά and the base of ἄγγελος; to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin:--(give in) charge, (give) com G3475 Μωσεύς of Hebrew origin; (מֹשֶׁה); Moseus, Moses, or Mouses (i.e. Mosheh), the Hebrew lawgiver:--Moses. G907 βαπτίζω from a derivative of βάπτω; to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of

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 7 verses across 4 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Matthew (3 verses); never once in the other 23.

3
Matthew
1
Mark
1
Luke
2
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.