from a comparative of πρός and (to pour); a shedding forth, i.e. affusion:--sprinkling.
Transliteration:próschysis
Pronunciation:pros'-khoo-sis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G4378}}` (πρόσχυσις, *próschysis*) is derived from the preposition πρός (pros), meaning "to" or "toward," and a verbal root related to pouring or shedding. Its core meaning denotes "a shedding forth," "an affusion," or "a pouring out/upon." The English translation "sprinkling" captures the sense of applying a liquid by scattering or pouring it over a surface or person. While the root suggests a general act of pouring, the prefix πρός often implies direction or addition, leading to the nuance of pouring *upon* or *against*. In biblical usage, particularly within the New Testament, `{{G4378}}` is remarkably rare, appearing only once, which significantly narrows its specific semantic range within the sacred text to the precise context in which it is found. This singular occurrence points to a deliberate and specific action rather than a broad, general concept of liquid dispersion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G4378}}` (πρόσχυσις) appears exclusively in [[Hebrews 11:28]]: "By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them." This verse is part of the great "faith chapter," where the author of Hebrews enumerates examples of faith from Israel's history. Here, `{{G4378}}` specifically refers to the act performed by Moses and the Israelites during the first Passover in Egypt. The context is crucial:
1. **The Passover:** The institution of the Passover involved the slaughter of a lamb and the application of its blood to the doorposts and lintel of the houses ([[Exodus 12:7]], [[Exodus 12:22]]). This act of πρόσχυσις was not merely symbolic; it was a divinely commanded action that served as a sign for the destroyer to "pass over" the homes of the Israelites.
2. **Act of Faith:** The author of Hebrews emphasizes that Moses' obedience in performing this "sprinkling of blood" was an act of faith. It demonstrated his trust in God's promise of protection and deliverance.
3. **Protection and Atonement:** The πρόσχυσις of blood in this context was directly linked to the preservation of life. It prefigured the protective and atoning power of Christ's blood, which is applied to believers for their salvation. The physical act of applying blood had a spiritual efficacy, safeguarding those under its cover from divine judgment.
Thus, in its sole biblical occurrence, `{{G4378}}` denotes a specific, ritualistic application of blood, performed in faith, for the purpose of divine protection and deliverance from judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "sprinkling" or "shedding blood" is deeply embedded in biblical theology, particularly in cultic and covenantal contexts. While `{{G4378}}` is unique, it relates to several other significant terms and practices:
* **ῥαντίζω (rhantizō) `{{G4472}}` and ῥαντισμός (rhantismos) `{{G4473}}`:** These are the more common Greek terms for "to sprinkle" and "sprinkling" in the New Testament. ῥαντίζω is used for ritual purification (e.g., [[Hebrews 9:13]], [[Hebrews 9:19]], [[Hebrews 10:22]]), while ῥαντισμός appears in contexts of the new covenant, specifically the "sprinkling of the blood of Jesus" ([[Hebrews 12:24]]) and the "sprinkling of Jesus Christ" ([[1 Peter 1:2]]). While `{{G4378}}` highlights the *act* of shedding/affusion, `{{G4473}}` emphasizes the *result* or *state* of being sprinkled.
* **ἐκχέω (ekcheō) `{{G1632}}`:** "To pour out" or "shed." This verb is frequently used in relation to the shedding of blood, especially the blood of Christ ([[Matthew 26:28]], [[Luke 22:20]]), emphasizing the violent act of sacrifice. `{{G4378}}` describes the subsequent application of that shed blood.
* **Old Testament Practices:** The πρόσχυσις of blood in Hebrews 11:28 directly echoes Old Testament sacrificial and covenant rituals.
* **נָזָה (nazah) `{{H5137}}`:** "To spatter," "sprinkle." Used for sprinkling blood in purification rites ([[Leviticus 14:7]], [[Numbers 19:4]]).
* **זָרַק (zaraq) `{{H2236}}`:** "To sprinkle," "scatter." Used for sprinkling blood against the altar ([[Exodus 29:16]], [[Leviticus 1:5]]).
* **Covenant Blood:** The sprinkling of blood to ratify the covenant at Sinai ([[Exodus 24:6-8]]) is a foundational concept, where the blood signifies the binding nature of the agreement and the consequences of disobedience.
These related terms and concepts underscore that `{{G4378}}` is part of a larger biblical tapestry concerning the sacred and life-giving power of applied blood.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4378}}` (πρόσχυσις) is profound, despite its singular occurrence. It serves as a vital link between the Old Covenant's shadows and the New Covenant's reality in Christ.
1. **Atonement and Protection:** The πρόσχυσις of the Passover blood was the means by which God's judgment "passed over" the believing Israelites. This act prefigured the ultimate atonement achieved through the shedding of Christ's blood. Just as the physical application of blood protected Israel, the spiritual application of Christ's blood to believers delivers them from the wrath of God and secures their salvation ([[Romans 5:9]]).
2. **Faith and Obedience:** The author of Hebrews explicitly states that Moses performed the πρόσχυσις "by faith." This highlights that the efficacy of the ritual was not inherent in the blood itself, but in the obedient faith of those who applied it according to God's command. This principle carries over to the New Covenant: salvation is received by faith in Christ's shed blood ([[Ephesians 2:8-9]]).
3. **Covenant Ratification:** While not explicitly a covenant-making act in Hebrews 11:28, the Passover πρόσχυσις is deeply connected to the establishment of Israel as God's redeemed people. In a broader sense, the sprinkling of blood in the Old Testament was central to covenant ratification ([[Exodus 24:8]]). This points forward to the "blood of the new covenant" established by Christ ([[Matthew 26:28]]), whose shed blood effectively seals the new relationship between God and humanity.
4. **Application of Christ's Work:** `{{G4378}}` emphasizes the *application* of the sacrifice. Christ's death on the cross (the shedding of blood) is the foundational act, but its saving power becomes effective for individuals through its "sprinkling" or application by faith. This "sprinkling" purifies conscience and brings believers into a sanctified relationship with God ([[Hebrews 10:22]], [[1 Peter 1:2]]).
### Summary
`{{G4378}}` (πρόσχυσις, *próschysis*) signifies a "shedding forth" or "affusion," specifically translated as "sprinkling." Its singular occurrence in [[Hebrews 11:28]] powerfully describes the Passover act of applying lamb's blood to the doorposts, an act of faith that secured divine protection from judgment. This term, though rare, is profoundly significant in underscoring the vital concept of the *application* of atoning blood. It connects the Old Testament's ritualistic practices, particularly those involving blood for purification and covenant, with the New Covenant's reality in Christ. The πρόσχυσις of the Passover blood serves as a potent type for the saving efficacy of Christ's blood, which, when applied by faith, delivers believers from God's wrath, purifies them, and brings them into a new covenant relationship with the Living God. The word encapsulates the active, faith-filled obedience required to appropriate God's provision for salvation.
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