Lexical Summary proskarterésis: Perseverance, steadfastness, devotion Original Word: προσκαρτέρησις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance perseverance. From proskartereo; persistancy -- perseverance. see GREEK proskartereo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4343 proskartérēsis – strong perseverance which prevails by interacting with God (used only in Eph 6:18). See 4342 (proskartereō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom proskartereó Definition steadfastness NASB Translation perseverance (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4343: προσκαρτέρησιςπροσκαρτέρησις, προσκαρτερησεως, ἡ, (προσκαρτερέω), perseverance: Ephesians 6:18. Nowhere else; (Koumanoudes, Λεξ. ἀθης. under the word). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4343, προσκαρτέρησις, expresses the idea of steadfast, active perseverance. It appears once in the Greek New Testament—Ephesians 6:18—yet its single occurrence distills a rich biblical theme: continual devotion that remains alert, Spirit-empowered, and other-focused. Biblical Usage and Context Ephesians 6:18 crowns the well-known passage on the armor of God. Having exhorted believers to “stand firm” against the schemes of the devil, Paul adds the indispensable reality of unceasing, vigilant prayer: “With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end stay alert with all perseverance and petitions for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18). Here προσκαρτέρησις serves four emphases: 1. Continuity—“at all times” signals a lifestyle, not a moment. Relationship to the Verb proskartereo (Strong’s 4342) Although the noun occurs only once, its cognate verb paints the larger canvas. The verb regularly describes: These passages illuminate 4343: biblical perseverance is not grim stoicism but devoted constancy, whether in prayer, doctrine, fellowship, or ministry. Theological Themes 1. Spiritual Warfare: Perseverance is the posture of soldiers who refuse surrender (Ephesians 6:10-18). Continuous prayer keeps the armor fastened. Historical and Ecclesial Significance • Early Church: Acts records that the earliest believers “continued steadfastly” in prayer and community, supporting rapid gospel advance. Pastoral and Practical Applications • Personal Discipline: Set rhythms (morning, mealtime, evening) cultivate continual communion. Related Passages for Further Study Acts 1:14; Acts 2:42; Acts 6:4; Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2; Hebrews 10:36; James 5:16-18; 1 Peter 4:7. Summary Strong’s 4343 highlights the Spirit-enabled constancy that anchors Christian life and mission. Though appearing only once, προσκαρτέρησις distills a call heard throughout Scripture: stay alert, remain steadfast, and persevere in prayer for the glory of God and the good of His people. Forms and Transliterations προσκαρτερησει προσκαρτερήσει προσκατέλιπον πρόσκαυμα προσκειμένας προσκείμενοι προσκειμένοις προσκείμενος προσκειμένω προσκειμένων πρόσκεισαι προσκείσθαι πρόσκειται proskarteresei proskarterēsei proskarterḗseiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |