Lexical Summary prostassó: To command, to order, to direct Original Word: προστάσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance command, bidFrom pros and tasso; to arrange towards, i.e. (figuratively) enjoin -- bid, command. see GREEK pros see GREEK tasso HELPS Word-studies 4367 prostássō (from 4314 /prós, "move towards, with," which intensifies 5021 /tássō, "to place, arrange") – properly, allot, emphasizing the intention of the one assigning (commanding). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pros and tassó Definition to place at, give a command NASB Translation appointed (1), commanded (5), ordered (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4367: προστάσσωπροστάσσω: 1 aorist προσέταξα; perfect passive participle προστεταγμενος; from (Aeschylus and) Herodotus down; 1. to assign or ascribe to, join to. 2. to enjoin, order, prescribe, command: the Sept. for צִוָּה; absolutely καθώς προσέταξε, Luke 5:14; with the dative of a person, Matthew 1:24; Matthew 21:6 R G T; τί, Matthew 8:4; Mark 1:44; τίνι τί, passive, Acts 10:33; followed by an accusative with an infinitive Acts 10:48; to appoint, to define, passive, προστετάγμενοι καιροί, Acts 17:26 G L (stereotype edition (larger edition, πρός τεταγμένοι)) T Tr WH, for the Rec. προτετάγμενοι. (Synonym: see κελεύω, at the end.) The verb numbered 4367 expresses an authoritative charge that obligates the hearer to obedient action. In every New Testament appearance, the speaker is either God Himself, Jesus Christ, a heavenly messenger, or an apostolic representative acting under divine commission. The word therefore accents not mere advice but binding, God-backed instruction. Old Testament Background The Septuagint frequently uses this verb to render Hebrew צִוָּה (tsavah, “command”). Israel’s life was covenantal; divine commands defined worship, civil order, and moral conduct. Against this backdrop, each New Testament use signals continuity with the God who still governs His people by explicit directive. Occurrences in the Gospels 1. Matthew 1:24 – The angel of the Lord commands Joseph, safeguarding the Davidic line and virgin conception. Joseph “did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him,” illustrating that genuine faith responds with immediate, costly obedience. 2. Matthew 8:4; Mark 1:44; Luke 5:14 – Three parallel leper-cleansing narratives. Jesus instructs the healed man to submit to Mosaic procedure: “Go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering Moses commanded” (Matthew 8:4). By issuing this command, Jesus (a) honors the Law He came to fulfill, (b) secures the man’s reintegration into covenant community, and (c) provides priestly testimony to messianic authority. Early Church Practice 1. Acts 10:33 – Cornelius gathers household and says to Peter, “Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us”. The Gentile centurion recognizes that apostolic preaching carries divine authority equal to an angelic vision (Acts 10:3–6). 2. Acts 10:48 – Peter “commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” Baptism is not optional ceremony; it is a divinely ordered entry into the new covenant community, binding Jew and Gentile alike to Christ. Divine Governance of History Acts 17:26 widens the scope from individual obedience to global providence: God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” Here the verb underscores that nations, epochs, and geography lie under explicit divine appointment. Paul’s sermon thus balances human seeking (17:27) with the Creator’s sovereign commands. Theological Themes • Lordship of Christ – Jesus not only heals but legislates; His word holds the same weight as the Torah He affirms. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Preaching must retain its imperative force, presenting gospel truth not merely as proposal but as divine mandate to repent, believe, be baptized, and live holy lives. Historical Reflection Patristic writers (e.g., Ignatius, Polycarp) applied the term to apostolic teaching preserved in Scripture, reinforcing canonical authority against early heterodoxy. The Reformers likewise appealed to divine command to challenge ecclesiastical traditions lacking biblical warrant, echoing Peter’s baptismal instruction in Acts 10:48. Summation Strong’s 4367 highlights the Creator’s right to direct His creation. From angelic annunciation to leper restoration, Gentile inclusion, and the ordering of nations, Scripture consistently portrays God who speaks with binding authority and people who flourish when they heed His commands. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 1:24 V-AIA-3SGRK: ἐποίησεν ὡς προσέταξεν αὐτῷ ὁ NAS: of the Lord commanded him, and took KJV: of the Lord had bidden him, INT: did as had commanded him the Matthew 8:4 V-AIA-3S Mark 1:44 V-AIA-3S Luke 5:14 V-AIA-3S Acts 10:33 V-RPM/P-ANP Acts 10:48 V-AIA-3S Acts 17:26 V-RPM/P-AMP Strong's Greek 4367 |
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