from προσφέρω; presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice:--offering (up).
Transliteration:prosphorá
Pronunciation:pros-for-ah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun *prosphorá* (`{{G4376}}`) is derived from the verb *prosphérō* (`{{G4374}}`), meaning "to bring to," "to offer," or "to present." Consequently, *prosphorá* signifies "a bringing to," "a presentation," or "that which is brought or offered." Its primary semantic range in the New Testament centers on the concept of an "offering" or "sacrifice." While the base definition notes "an oblation (bloodless)," it is crucial to understand that in its New Testament usage, particularly concerning the sacrifice of Christ, *prosphorá* clearly encompasses offerings involving blood, highlighting the act of presentation or self-giving rather than exclusively the material nature of the offering. It can refer to both ritualistic offerings and the profound theological concept of a complete self-sacrifice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*prosphorá* appears 9 times in the New Testament, with a significant concentration in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* **[[Acts 21:26]]**: Here, *prosphorá* refers to the "offering" made by Paul on behalf of the four men who had a vow, likely a purification offering in the Jerusalem Temple. This usage reflects a concrete, ritualistic act of presenting an offering according to Mosaic law.
* **[[Romans 15:16]]**: Paul describes his priestly service (λειτουργός) in the gospel, stating that his aim is "that the offering (προσφορά) of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit." In this context, the "offering" is metaphorical, representing the converted Gentile believers themselves, presented to God as a spiritual sacrifice through Paul's ministry.
* **[[Ephesians 5:2]]**: This verse proclaims that Christ "gave himself up for us, an offering (προσφορά) and a sacrifice (θυσία) to God for a fragrant aroma." The pairing of *prosphorá* with *thysia* (`{{G2378}}`, sacrifice) unequivocally points to Christ's atoning death, which involved the shedding of His blood, thereby expanding the meaning of *prosphorá* beyond a solely "bloodless" oblation.
* **Hebrews (5 occurrences)**: The book of Hebrews provides the most profound theological use of *prosphorá*, consistently applying it to Christ's redemptive work.
* **[[Hebrews 10:5]]**: "Sacrifice and offering (προσφορά) you have not desired."
* **[[Hebrews 10:8]]**: "Sacrifices and offerings (προσφοραί)...you have not desired." These verses quote Psalm 40:6 (LXX), contrasting God's true desire with the inadequacy of Old Covenant animal sacrifices.
* **[[Hebrews 10:10]]**: "By this will we have been sanctified through the offering (προσφορά) of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This is a pivotal statement, affirming the unique, definitive, and complete nature of Christ's sacrifice.
* **[[Hebrews 10:14]]**: "For by one offering (προσφορά) he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." This highlights the eternal efficacy and comprehensive nature of Christ's single act of self-giving.
* **[[Hebrews 10:18]]**: "Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering (προσφορά) for sin." This declares the finality of Christ's work, rendering further sin offerings unnecessary.
Across these contexts, *prosphorá* consistently denotes a presentation or offering made to God, whether ritualistic, metaphorical, or, most significantly, the singular, perfect, and efficacious self-offering of Jesus Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **prosphérō (`{{G4374}}`)**: The verbal root, meaning "to bring to," "to offer," or "to present." *prosphorá* is the noun form, representing the act or result of this verb.
* **thysia (`{{G2378}}`)**: "Sacrifice." Often used in conjunction with *prosphorá* (e.g., [[Ephesians 5:2]]), *thysia* emphasizes the sacrificial act itself, often involving immolation, while *prosphorá* highlights the act of presenting or the item presented. In the New Testament, both terms are used to describe the multifaceted nature of Christ's atoning work.
* **holokautoma (`{{G3646}}`)**: "Burnt offering," a specific type of Old Testament sacrifice. The broader term *prosphorá* can encompass such specific offerings.
* **latreia (`{{G3000}}`)**: "Worship," "service." Paul's "offering" of the Gentiles in [[Romans 15:16]] is situated within the context of his priestly service (*leitourgos*), connecting *prosphorá* to broader acts of worship and spiritual service to God.
* **leitourgia (`{{G3009}}`)**: "Public service," "ministry," often carrying priestly connotations. This concept underlies Paul's ministry as an "offering" of the Gentiles.
* **Diathēkē (`{{G1242}}`)**: "Covenant." The singular *prosphorá* of Christ establishes the New Covenant, standing in stark contrast to the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *prosphorá* is profound, particularly as articulated in the Epistle to the Hebrews.
* **Christ's Perfect and Final Sacrifice**: *prosphorá* is central to understanding the efficacy and finality of Christ's atoning work. His "offering" of Himself (e.g., [[Hebrews 10:10]]) is presented as the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice that perfectly cleanses and sanctifies believers. Unlike the repeated Old Covenant animal sacrifices, which merely covered sins and could not perfect the worshiper, Christ's single *prosphorá* achieves complete and permanent removal of sin and perfect access to God ([[Hebrews 10:14]], [[Hebrews 10:18]]). This highlights the qualitative superiority and eternal effectiveness of Christ's work.
* **Supersession of Old Covenant Rituals**: The repeated contrast in Hebrews between the many "offerings" (plural *prosphoraí*) of the Old Law and the one, perfect "offering" (singular *prosphorá*) of Christ underscores the obsolescence of the former. Christ's *prosphorá* fulfills and surpasses all previous sacrificial systems.
* **Believers as Spiritual Offerings**: In [[Romans 15:16]], Paul's "offering" of the Gentiles suggests a spiritual application of *prosphorá*. Believers, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, become a living "offering" acceptable to God, echoing the call in [[Romans 12:1]] to present one's body as a living sacrifice. This extends the concept beyond ritual animal sacrifice to the spiritual dedication of lives in service and worship.
* **Divine Initiative and Human Response**: The concept of *prosphorá* encompasses both God's gracious provision in Christ's self-offering and the appropriate human response of presenting oneself or one's service to God.
### Summary
*prosphorá* (`{{G4376}}`) denotes "an offering," "a presentation," or "a sacrifice." Derived from *prosphérō* (`{{G4374}}`, "to bring to, to offer"), its semantic range encompasses both literal ritual offerings (e.g., [[Acts 21:26]]) and profound theological realities. Most significantly, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, *prosphorá* is the definitive term for Christ's singular, perfect, and eternally effective "offering" of Himself (e.g., [[Hebrews 10:10]], [[Hebrews 10:14]]). This single *prosphorá* supersedes the repeated and insufficient offerings of the Old Covenant, achieving complete atonement and sanctification for believers. Beyond Christ's work, the term also extends to the spiritual "offering" of converted Gentiles to God through Paul's ministry ([[Romans 15:16]]), underscoring its application to both the ultimate divine sacrifice and the spiritual presentation of lives in worship.
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