from πρός and φέρω (including its alternate); to bear towards, i.e. lead to, tender (especially to God), treat:--bring (to, unto), deal with, do, offer (unto, up), present unto, put to.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **prosphérō**, represented by `{{G4374}}`, conveys the action **to bear towards** or **to tender**. It appears **48 times** across **45 unique verses** in the Bible. Its meaning ranges from the literal act of bringing someone or something to a person, to the profound religious act of presenting an offering, especially to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G4374}}` spans several key contexts. It describes the physical act of bringing people to Jesus for healing or blessing, as when they **brought** to him all sick people [[Matthew 4:24]] or little children [[Matthew 19:13]]. The word is also used for presenting material items, such as when the wise men **presented** gifts to the young child Jesus [[Matthew 2:11]] or when a sponge of vinegar was **put** to his mouth [[John 19:29]]. In a religious sense, it denotes the formal act of an **offer**ing, such as the **gift** `{{G1435}}` commanded by Moses for cleansing [[Matthew 8:4]]. The most significant theological use is in Hebrews, where Christ is said to have **offered** himself [[Hebrews 9:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G4374}}` is used:
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice): This is frequently the object that is **offered**. High priests are ordained to **offer** both gifts and **sacrifices** for sins [[Hebrews 5:1]], a system fulfilled by Christ’s single **sacrifice** [[Hebrews 10:12]].
* `{{G1435}}` **dōron** (gift): This term refers to an offering or tribute. It is used in the context of worship, where one might **bring** a **gift** to the altar [[Matthew 5:23]], and it is what the wise men **presented** to Jesus [[Matthew 2:11]].
* `{{G2409}}` **hiereús** (priest): This is the individual who performs the act of offering. The law requires a **priest** to **offer** gifts according to the law [[Hebrews 8:4]], and Jesus instructs a cleansed man to show himself to the **priest** and **offer** the required gift [[Matthew 8:4]].
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood): This is central to the sacrificial system. The high priest **offered** **blood** for himself and the errors of the people [[Hebrews 9:7]], but Christ **offered** his own **blood**, which purges the conscience [[Hebrews 9:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4374}}` is immense, particularly in defining the nature of offerings and Christ's atoning work.
* **Worship and Reconciliation:** To **bring** a gift to the altar is an act of worship that presupposes right relationships. One is commanded to leave their gift and first be reconciled to their brother before they **offer** it [[Matthew 5:24]].
* **Bringing for Salvation:** The act of **bringing** people to Jesus is an expression of faith that results in healing and forgiveness. When they **brought** a man sick of the palsy, Jesus saw their faith and forgave his sins [[Matthew 9:2]].
* **The Levitical Priesthood:** The term is foundational to the duties of the Aaronic priesthood. Every high priest is ordained to **offer** gifts and sacrifices for sins [[Hebrews 5:1]], a repetitive action that could never truly take away sins [[Hebrews 10:11]].
* **Christ’s Perfect Offering:** The ultimate use of `{{G4374}}` is to describe Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. He was **offered** to bear the sins of many [[Hebrews 9:28]], and through the eternal Spirit, **offered** himself without spot to God [[Hebrews 9:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4374}}` is a dynamic word that bridges the physical and the spiritual. It describes simple acts of bringing people and things, but it finds its deepest meaning in the language of worship. From the repeated sacrifices **offered** by priests under the old covenant to the final, perfect sacrifice **offered** by Christ himself, **prosphérō** is essential for understanding the biblical concept of approaching God through an offering.
TRV