Lexical Summary proskephalaion: Pillow, cushion Original Word: προσκεφάλαιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pillow. Neuter of a presumed compound of pros and kephale; something for the head, i.e. A cushion -- pillow. see GREEK pros see GREEK kephale NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a comp. of pros and a derivation of kephalé Definition a pillow NASB Translation cushion (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4344: προσκεφάλαιονπροσκεφάλαιον, προσκεφαλαιου, τό (from πρός (which see IV. 3) and the adjective κεφάλαιος (cf. κεφάλαιον)), a pillow, a cushion: Mark 4:38. (Ezekiel 13:18, 20; Aristophanes, Plato, Plutarch, others.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Narrative Setting Strong’s Greek 4344 denotes a small cushion or head-rest carried aboard a boat. Its lone New Testament appearance occurs in Mark 4:38: “Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’”. Within the immediate context of the calming of the storm, the cushion underscores both the genuine humanity of Jesus—He grows weary and sleeps—and His serene trust in the Father’s providence amid danger. Cultural and Historical Background First-century fishing vessels on the Sea of Galilee commonly kept a sand-filled leather bag or stuffed cloth at the stern for the helmsman’s comfort during long nights of labor. The detail that Jesus uses this same cushion implies He has assumed the helmsman’s position, an image consonant with His role as the One who ultimately steers and stills the storm. Mark, writing to a Roman audience familiar with nautical commerce, includes the term to give eyewitness specificity and to highlight the contrast between the disciples’ panic and their Master’s calm. Christological Significance The scene reveals two complementary truths: 1. Incarnation—Jesus sleeps, exhibiting full participation in human frailty (Hebrews 2:17). The presence of the cushion therefore bridges the narrative from Christ’s humanity to His deity, illustrating why believers can approach Him with both empathy (Hebrews 4:15-16) and reverent awe (Revelation 1:17-18). Discipleship and Ministry Application • Faith over fear: The disciples misinterpret Jesus’ sleep as indifference. Ministry leaders may similarly equate divine silence with neglect. The cushion invites believers to rest in God’s timing while awaiting His intervention (Psalm 62:5). Theological Implications The term’s singular use guards Scripture’s economy; every word is purposive. By recording the cushion, Mark validates the historicity of the miracle while advancing a theology of divine immanence: God incarnate shares the mundane realities of fishermen, yet reigns over wind and wave (Psalm 89:9). The passage also foreshadows the ultimate “rest” secured through His atoning work (Hebrews 4:9-10). Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References • Divine authority over nature: Psalm 107:28-29; Colossians 1:16-17. Concluding Reflection Strong’s 4344, though a minor object in the narrative, magnifies the majesty of Christ and instructs the church in faith-filled repose. The cushion beneath the Savior’s head becomes a tangible witness that the One who slumbers in perfect peace also possesses infinite power to still every tempest. Forms and Transliterations προσκεφάλαια προσκεφαλαιον προσκεφάλαιον proskephalaion proskephálaionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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