4344. proskephalaion

Lexicon

proskephalaion: Pillow, cushion

Original Word: προσκεφάλαιον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: proskephalaion
Pronunciation: pros-kef-al'-ah-yon
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-kef-al'-ahee-on)
Definition: Pillow, cushion
Meaning: a pillow or cushion.

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 Origin
from a comp. of pros and a derivation of kephalé
Definition
a pillow
NASB Translation
cushion (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4344: προσκεφάλαιον

προσκεφάλαιον, 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

Word Origin: From the Greek prefix "πρός" (pros, meaning "toward" or "beside") and "κεφαλή" (kephalē, meaning "head").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for προσκεφάλαιον in the Old Testament, as the concept of a pillow or cushion is not specifically addressed in the same manner. However, related concepts of rest and comfort can be found in various passages, though they do not correspond to a single Hebrew term.

Usage: The term προσκεφάλαιον is used in the context of providing comfort or support for the head, often during sleep or rest.

Context: The Greek word προσκεφάλαιον appears in the New Testament in the context of describing an object used for resting the head. In Mark 4:38, the term is used to describe the cushion on which Jesus was sleeping in the stern of a boat during a storm. The passage reads: "But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?'" (BSB). This usage highlights the humanity of Jesus, who, despite His divine nature, experienced physical fatigue and required rest. The presence of a προσκεφάλαιον in the narrative underscores the normalcy of Jesus' human experiences, providing a relatable aspect to His life on earth.

The use of προσκεφάλαιον in the New Testament is limited, but its inclusion in this passage serves to illustrate the setting and the conditions of the scene, emphasizing the contrast between Jesus' calm amidst the storm and the disciples' fear. The term itself is straightforward, referring to a common item used for comfort, yet it plays a role in the broader narrative of Jesus' ministry and His interactions with His disciples.

Forms and Transliterations

προσκεφάλαια προσκεφαλαιον προσκεφάλαιον proskephalaion proskephálaion

Englishman's Concordance

Mark 4:38 N-ANS
GRK: ἐπὶ τὸ προσκεφάλαιον καθεύδων καὶ
NAS: asleep on the cushion; and they woke
KJV: asleep on a pillow: and they awake
INT: on the cushion sleeping And

Strong's Greek 4344
1 Occurrence

προσκεφάλαιον — 1 Occ.