The meaning of “προσευχή”
Understanding proseuchḗ reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
X pray earnestly, prayer. - prayer (worship) - by implication, an oratory (chapel)
προσευχή
X pray earnestly, prayer. - prayer (worship) - by implication, an oratory (chapel)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 21:13 | “And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Word: προσευχή (proseuchḗ) | |
| Acts 10:4 | “And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.” Word: προσευχή (proseuchḗ) | |
| Ephesians 6:18 | “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Word: προσευχή (proseuchḗ) | |
| 1 Thessalonians 1:2 | “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;” Word: προσευχή (proseuchḗ) | |
| James 5:17 | “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.” Word: προσευχή (proseuchḗ) |
Theological Word Study: Prayer
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Prayer, intercession
The Hebrew tefillah (תְּפִלָּה) means prayer or intercession—communion with God through petition and praise. Solomon's temple was to be 'a house of prayer for all people' (Isaiah 56:7).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Prayer, petition
The Greek proseuche (προσευχή) denotes prayer—communication with God. Believers are exhorted to 'pray without ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and 'in everything by prayer and supplication' present requests to God (Philippians 4:6).