The meaning of “προσεύχομαι”
Understanding proseúchomai reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer. - to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship
προσεύχομαι
pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer. - to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 23:14 | “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” Word: προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai) | |
| Acts 11:5 | “I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:” Word: προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai) | |
| 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: προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai) | |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:25 | “Brethren, pray for us.” Word: προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai) | |
| Hebrews 13:18 | “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.” Word: προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai) |
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).