Strong's g4342
Brief Overview of προσκαρτερέω (Strong's G4342: proskartereō)
Strong’s G4342: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with kartereō (to be strong, steadfast), meaning “to persist in, continue steadfastly in, adhere to.” Used to describe devoted attention and persistent dedication, particularly in prayer, ministry, and fellowship in the early church.
U- Unveiling the Word
Key Information
προσκαρτερέω
Strong’s Entry
g4342
Gloss: proskartereo (pros-kar-ter-eh’-o) v.1. to be earnest towards2. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent3. (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises4. (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor)[from G4314 and G2594]KJV: attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually) Root(s): G4314, G2594
Προσκαρτερέω represents steadfast persistence and devoted attention. In the New Testament, it appears in significant contexts describing the early church’s dedication to prayer, apostolic teaching, and fellowship. The compound structure emphasizes both direction and strength, creating the concept of focused endurance. Early church fathers frequently used this term to describe the essential characteristics of Christian devotion and community life. Today, it continues to express the vital importance of persistent dedication in prayer, worship, and Christian fellowship.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: προσκαρτερέω, proskartereō, pros-kar-ter-EH-oh
- Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘EH’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘oh’ unstressed
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
- καρτερέω (kartereō) – root verb meaning “to be strong, endure”
The combination indicates persistent strength directed toward something.
D – Defining Meanings
- To continue steadfastly
- To persist devotedly
- To remain faithful to
For compound words:
The prefix πρός adds directional focus to καρτερέω, creating the concept of sustained, focused endurance. The combination emphasizes both persistence and dedication.
Translation Options:
- “to persist in” – emphasizes continuous action
- “to remain devoted to” – captures the dedication aspect
- “to continue steadfastly in” – reflects both duration and intensity
E – Exploring Similar Words
- ὑπομένω (hupomenō, hoo-po-MEN-oh) – to endure, remain
See G5278 - παραμένω (paramenō, par-a-MEN-oh) – to remain beside
See G3887 - ἐπιμένω (epimenō, ep-i-MEN-oh) – to continue in
See G1961
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a verb, προσκαρτερέω shows these morphological features:
- Tense: Present, Imperfect
- Voice: Active
- Mood: Indicative, Participle
- Person: All
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Aspect: Continuous/Progressive
The present tense emphasizes ongoing action, while the active voice shows direct involvement in the persistence.
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of devoted attention. Thayer’s notes its application to persistent prayer. LSJ provides evidence of its use in contexts requiring endurance. Vine’s connects it to steadfast continuation. Strong’s highlights the strength aspect. LEH notes its use in contexts of faithful service. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in devoted attendance.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they [προσκαρτερῇ] crush him. Mark 3:9
Additional References:
Acts 1:14
Acts 2:42
Acts 6:4
Romans 12:12
Colossians 4:2
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Xenophon: Cyropaedia | The guards [προσκαρτερέω] remained steadfastly at their posts |
| Polybius: Histories | The army [προσκαρτερέω] persisted in the siege |
| Plutarch: Lives | The philosopher [προσκαρτερέω] continued devoted to his studies |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Προσκαρτερέω powerfully illustrates the Christian life’s call to persistent dedication. The early church modeled this steadfast devotion in prayer, fellowship, and ministry. The good news is that Christ empowers us for such enduring faithfulness through His Spirit.
D – Did You Know?
- This word characterizes the early church’s dedication in Acts
- It appears frequently in contexts of prayer and worship
- Early Christian writers used it to describe martyrs’ steadfastness
Strong’s G4342: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with kartereō (to be strong, steadfast), meaning “to persist in, continue steadfastly in, adhere to.” Used to describe devoted attention and persistent dedication, particularly in prayer, ministry, and fellowship in the early church.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: persistence, devotion, steadfastness, prayer, early-church, fellowship, compound-verb, dedication, endurance, faithfulness, Christian-practice, worship, ministry, perseverance, community-life
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
Strong's g4342
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