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 verb προσφέρω (prosphérō `{{G4374}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρός (pros `{{G4314}}`), meaning "towards" or "to," and the verb φέρω (pherō `{{G5342}}`), meaning "to bear," "to carry," or "to bring." The core meaning, therefore, is "to bear towards" or "to bring to."
Its semantic range encompasses several key applications:
1. **Physical Bringing/Leading:** The most literal sense involves the act of physically bringing a person or an object to a specific location or individual. This can include bringing the sick for healing or presenting gifts.
2. **Presenting/Offering:** This is a highly significant use, especially in religious contexts. It denotes the act of tendering something, often a gift, sacrifice, or prayer, to God or to a figure of authority. This implies a formal or ritualistic presentation.
3. **Applying/Dealing With:** Less common, but implied in some contexts, is the sense of applying something to someone or dealing with a situation, though this is often an extension of "bringing something to bear upon" a person or circumstance.
The directional aspect inherent in πρός is crucial, emphasizing movement *towards* a recipient, a specific purpose, or an ultimate goal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb προσφέρω appears frequently in the New Testament, with notable concentrations in the Gospels and the Epistle to the Hebrews, each context illuminating distinct facets of its meaning.
In the Synoptic Gospels, προσφέρω is often used to describe people bringing the sick, demon-possessed, or children to Jesus. For instance, in [[Matthew 4:24]], people "brought to Him all who were sick." Similarly, in [[Matthew 19:13]], children were "brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray." This usage highlights Jesus' role as a divine healer and compassionate shepherd, accessible to those in need. It also underscores the faith of those who "brought" others to Him, believing in His power.
In the context of offerings and sacrifices, προσφέρω is the quintessential verb. The Magi "offered" (or "presented") gifts to the infant Jesus in [[Matthew 2:11]]. More significantly, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, προσφέρω is foundational to understanding the priestly ministry and the nature of sacrifice. The author repeatedly uses it to describe the Old Covenant priests who "offer" gifts and sacrifices for sins ([[Hebrews 5:1]], [[Hebrews 8:3]], [[Hebrews 9:7]], [[Hebrews 10:11]]). This sets the stage for the climactic declaration that Jesus, as the great High Priest, "offered" Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([[Hebrews 7:27]], [[Hebrews 9:14]], [[Hebrews 9:28]]). This contrast between the repeated, imperfect offerings of the Old Covenant and Christ's singular, efficacious offering is central to the epistle's argument.
Other uses include bringing a bill of divorce ([[Matthew 19:7]]) or offering vinegar to Jesus on the cross ([[Matthew 27:48]], [[Mark 15:36]]). These instances maintain the core sense of "bringing to" or "presenting."
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **φέρω (pherō `{{G5342}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to bear, carry, bring." προσφέρω adds the specific directional nuance of "towards" or "to."
2. **ἀναφέρω (anapherō `{{G399}}`):** Meaning "to bear up," "to carry up." While also used in the context of offering sacrifices (e.g., in the Septuagint for burnt offerings), ἀναφέρω emphasizes the upward movement of the offering to God, whereas προσφέρω emphasizes the act of presenting it *to* the recipient, whether God or man.
3. **δίδωμι (didōmi `{{G1325}}`):** "To give." While προσφέρω often results in giving, it specifically describes the *act* of bringing or presenting something for the purpose of giving.
4. **Sacrifice (θυσία, thusia `{{G2378}}`):** προσφέρω is the primary verb for performing a sacrifice, highlighting the action of presenting the offering.
5. **Priesthood (ἱερεύς, hiereus `{{G2409}}`):** The role of the priest is intrinsically linked to the act of προσφέρω in the context of cultic offerings, as they are the ones designated to present sacrifices on behalf of the people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of προσφέρω is profound, particularly in its application to Christ's work:
1. **Access to God:** The act of προσφέρω signifies the means by which humanity seeks to approach or interact with the divine. In the Old Covenant, it was through prescribed offerings and the mediation of priests. In the New Covenant, this access is fundamentally transformed and perfected through Christ.
2. **Christ's Priestly Ministry:** The most potent theological use of προσφέρω is found in the book of Hebrews, where it defines Christ's unique high priestly work. Unlike the Levitical priests who repeatedly προσφέρωed animal sacrifices, Christ προσφέρωed Himself as the perfect, unblemished sacrifice for sins once and for all ([[Hebrews 7:27]], [[Hebrews 9:14]], [[Hebrews 9:28]]). This singular offering established a new and better covenant, providing eternal redemption and direct access to God.
3. **Divine Compassion and Healing:** In the Gospels, the use of προσφέρω to describe people bringing the sick or needy to Jesus highlights His divine authority, power to heal, and boundless compassion. It underscores His willingness to receive and minister to all who come to Him in faith.
4. **Atonement and Redemption:** Central to the doctrine of atonement, Christ's act of προσφέρωing Himself is the means by which humanity's sin debt is paid. His voluntary self-offering is the ultimate act of propitiation and expiation, reconciling humanity to God.
5. **Human Response:** The term also reflects the human act of devotion, obedience, or seeking divine favor, whether through the presentation of gifts, prayers, or bringing needs before God.
### Summary
The Greek verb προσφέρω (prosphérō `{{G4374}}`) fundamentally means "to bear towards" or "to bring to." Its usage in the New Testament is rich and varied, ranging from the simple act of bringing individuals or objects to another person, as seen in the Gospels where people προσφέρωed the sick to Jesus for healing, to its profound theological significance in the Epistle to the Hebrews. There, προσφέρω becomes the pivotal term for the act of offering sacrifices, culminating in the unparalleled and perfect self-offering of Jesus Christ. As the ultimate High Priest, Christ προσφέρωed Himself once for all, thereby establishing a new covenant, securing eternal redemption, and providing direct access to God. Thus, προσφέρω encapsulates themes of divine accessibility, compassionate ministry, human devotion, and the definitive work of atonement achieved through Christ's singular sacrifice.
TRV