4319. prosaiteo

Lexicon

prosaiteo: To beg, to ask for alms

Original Word: προσαιτέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: prosaiteo
Pronunciation: pros-ahee-TEH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-ahee-teh'-o)
Definition: To beg, to ask for alms
Meaning: I beg, ask earnestly, ask for in addition.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

beg.

From pros and aiteo; to ask repeatedly (importune), i.e. Solicit -- beg.

see GREEK pros

see GREEK aiteo

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4319: προσαιτέω

προσαιτέω, προσαίτω;

1. to ask for in addition ((see πρός, IV. 2); Pindar, Aeschylus, others).

2. to approach one with supplications (German anbetteln (to importune; cf. πρός, IV. 4)), to ask alms ((Herodotus), Xenophon, Aristophanes, Euripides, Plutarch, others): Mark 10:46 R G L; Luke 18:35 (where L T Tr WH have ἐπαιτῶν); John 9:8.

STRONGS NT 4319a: προσαίτηςπροσαίτης, προσαιτου, ὁ, a beggar: Mark 10:46 T Tr WH; John 9:8 (where for the Rec. τυφλός). (Plutarch, Lucian, (Diogenes Laërtius 6, 56.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From πρός (pros, meaning "towards" or "in addition to") and αἰτέω (aiteō, meaning "to ask" or "to beg").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for προσαιτέω, the concept of begging or earnestly asking can be related to several Hebrew terms, such as שָׁאַל (sha'al, Strong's Hebrew 7592), which means "to ask" or "to inquire," and בָּקַשׁ (baqash, Strong's Hebrew 1245), meaning "to seek" or "to request." These terms similarly convey the act of seeking assistance or making a request, often with a sense of urgency or need.

Usage: The verb προσαιτέω is used in the context of asking or begging for something additional or supplementary. It implies a sense of earnestness or urgency in the request.

Context: The Greek verb προσαιτέω appears in the New Testament in contexts where individuals are depicted as seeking additional help or resources. This term is often associated with the act of begging or earnestly requesting something beyond what has already been given or is available. The prefix "πρός" (pros) suggests a directionality or an addition to the action of asking, indicating a further or supplementary request.

In the cultural and historical context of the New Testament, begging was a common practice among those who were impoverished or in need. The use of προσαιτέω highlights the social dynamics of dependence and the need for community support. It reflects the reality of economic disparity and the reliance on the generosity of others for survival.

Theologically, the concept of προσαιτέω can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual dependence on God. Just as individuals in the biblical narrative sought additional resources from their community, believers are encouraged to seek God's provision and grace. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's care for the needy and His call for His followers to be generous and compassionate.

Forms and Transliterations

προσαιτης προσαίτης προσαιτήσουσιν προσαιτων προσαιτών προσαιτῶν prosaites prosaitēs prosaítes prosaítēs prosaiton prosaitôn prosaitōn prosaitō̂n

Englishman's Concordance

Mark 10:46 N-NMS
GRK: Βαρτίμαιος τυφλὸς προσαίτης ἐκάθητο παρὰ
KJV: by the highway side begging.
INT: Bartimaeus blind beggar was sitting beside

John 9:8 N-NMS
GRK: πρότερον ὅτι προσαίτης ἦν ἔλεγον
NAS: saw him as a beggar, were saying,
KJV: he that sat and begged?
INT: before that a beggar he was said

John 9:8 V-PPA-NMS
GRK: καθήμενος καὶ προσαιτῶν
INT: was sitting and begging

Strong's Greek 4319
3 Occurrences

προσαίτης — 2 Occ.
προσαιτῶν — 1 Occ.