Original Word: προσαγω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: prosagó
Pronunciation: pros-ag-O
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-ag'-o)
KJV: bring, draw near
NASB: bring, brought, approaching
Word Origin: [from G4314 (πρός - against) and G71 (ἄγω - brought)]

1. to lead towards
2. (transitively) to conduct near (summon, present)
3. (intransitively) to approach

bring, draw near.

From pros and ago; to lead towards, i.e. (transitively) to conduct near (summon, present), or (intransitively) to approach -- bring, draw near.

see GREEK pros

see GREEK ago

Word Origin
from pros and agó
Definition
to bring or lead to
NASB Translation
approaching (1), bring (2), brought (2).

STRONGS NT 4317: προσάγω

προσάγω; 2 aorist προσήγαγον; 1 aorist passive προσηχθην (Matthew 18:24 L Tr WH); from Homer down; the Sept. for הִקְרִיב, הִגִּישׁ, sometimes for הֵבִיא;

1. transitively, to lead to, bring (see πρός, IV. 1): τινα ὧδε, Luke 9:41; τινα τίνι, one to one (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 52, 4, 14), Matthew 18:24 L Tr WH; Acts 16:20; to open a way of access, τινα τῷ Θεῷ, for (A. V. to bring) one to God, i. e. to render one acceptable to God and assured of his grace (a figure borrowed from those who secure for one the privilege of an interview with the sovereign), 1 Peter 3:18 (noteworthy is the use, without specification of the goal, in a forensic sense, to summon (to trial or punishment), Acts 12:6 WH text (where others προάγω, which see 1)).

2. intransitively (see ἄγω, 4), to draw near to, approach (Joshua 3:9; Jeremiah 26:3 (), etc.): τίνι, Acts 27:27 ((not WH marginal reading)), where Luke speaks in nautical style phenomenally, the land which the sailor is approaching seeming to approach him; cf. Kuinoel (or Wetstein) at the passage; (see προσανέχω 2, and προσαχέω).

STRONGS NT 4317: προσανέχωπροσανέχω;

1. to hold up besides.

2. intransitive, to rise up so as to approach, rise up toward: Acts 27:27 Lachmann stereotyped edition (see προσάγω, and προσαχέω) — a sense found nowhere else.

STRONGS NT 4317: προσαχέω [προσαχέω, προσάχω, Doric for προσηχέω, to resound: Acts 27:27 WH marginal reading (see their Appendix, p. 151; others προσάγειν, which see), of the roar of the surf as indicating nearness to land to sailors at night.]

Overview

The verb denotes the act of bringing, leading, or drawing someone or something into the presence of another, whether a human authority or God Himself. Across its four New Testament appearances, the term ranges from literal movement to profound theological import, showing how access—physical, judicial, or spiritual—is granted.

Canonical Occurrences

1. Luke 9:41 – Jesus commands, “Bring your son here”, directing the father of the demon-tormented boy to lead him into the Lord’s presence for deliverance.
2. Acts 16:20 – The owners of the fortune-telling slave girl “brought them before the magistrates,” accusing Paul and Silas of civil unrest.
3. Acts 27:27 – During the storm, the sailors “suspected that we were approaching land,” marking the ship’s nearness to safety.
4. 1 Peter 3:18 – Christ “died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God,” unveiling the ultimate act of access through the atoning work of Jesus.

Christological Fulfilment (1 Peter 3:18)

Peter interprets the cross as the decisive movement whereby humanity is ushered into divine fellowship. The verb underscores that this access is achieved not by human effort but by the initiative of the crucified and risen Messiah. The context frames the suffering of believers within the larger narrative of Christ’s redemptive accomplishment; our approach to God rests securely upon His substitutionary death and vindicating resurrection.

Illustrations in Luke–Acts

Luke 9:41 manifests the compassionate authority of Jesus: the boy is brought forward and subsequently healed, demonstrating that nearness to Christ results in liberation from demonic bondage. In Acts 16:20, the same verb is employed in a civic setting, highlighting how gospel messengers may be forcibly placed before secular powers. Together the passages show that being “brought” to Jesus yields life, whereas being “brought” before worldly authorities may entail persecution—yet God remains sovereign in both scenes (cf. Acts 16:25–34).

Legal and Navigational Usage

Acts 16:20 reflects a formal judicial presentation; the apostolic band is led into the forum for trial, illustrating early Christian engagement with Roman legal structures. Acts 27:27, by contrast, is nautical: the ship nears terra firma in the darkness, and Luke’s vocabulary captures a mariner’s tense anticipation. The breadth of usage affirms the verb’s flexibility while reinforcing the theme of movement toward a decisive encounter, whether with land, law, or Lord.

Old Testament Background

In the Septuagint, the same verb frequently translates Hebrew terms for presenting offerings (for example, Leviticus 1:5; 3:3) or bringing priests near to minister (Exodus 28:1). The sacrificial system required mediated approach; only the appointed priest could lead a gift into God’s presence. The New Testament re-appropriates this language to declare that Christ, both priest and sacrifice, now brings worshipers themselves into unbarred access (cf. Hebrews 10:19–22).

Doctrinal Themes

• Access to God – The word illuminates the doctrine of reconciliation: believers are granted safe approach by grace alone.
• Mediation – A single Mediator conducts the sinner into the Father’s throne room, fulfilling ancient priestly types.
• Mission and Witness – Just as Paul and Silas were brought before magistrates, servants of Christ today may be led into forums where testimony is rendered.
• Deliverance – Nearness to Jesus overturns demonic oppression, affirming the authority of the Son of God over spiritual foes.

Practical Ministry Implications

1. Evangelism – Since Christ has brought us to God, believers are compelled to bring others to Christ (John 1:42; though a different verb, the pattern remains). Personal witness, hospitality, and corporate worship all function as avenues for such introduction.
2. Pastoral Care – Leaders imitate Jesus by ushering hurting people into settings where they can encounter His healing power, echoing Luke 9:41.
3. Perseverance under Trial – The experience of Paul in Acts 16 counsels modern disciples to view forced appearances before authorities as providential platforms for gospel proclamation.
4. Hope in Uncertainty – The sailors’ cautious progress toward land (Acts 27:27) reminds congregations that God guides His people toward ultimate safety, even when visibility is low.

Historical Reception

Patristic writers like Chrysostom highlighted 1 Peter 3:18 to reassure catechumens that baptism signifies entry into God’s presence already secured by Christ. Reformation expositors drew on the same text to refute any notion of meritorious works; the only “bringing” that counts is performed by the Savior. Contemporary hymnody echoes the theme: “Bold I approach the eternal throne,” capturing the verb’s enduring resonance in worship.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 4317 depicts movement toward an encounter that changes everything. Whether a boy to the Healer, apostles to a tribunal, sailors to land, or sinners to God, the decisive agent is ultimately the sovereign Lord who orchestrates each approach. The verb therefore serves as a vivid reminder that in Christ, God both initiates and completes the journey that leads His people safely home.

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