STRONGS NT 4363: προσπίπτωπροσπίπτω: imperfect προσέπιπτον; 2 aor, 3 person singular προσέπεσε, 3 person plural (Matthew 7:25) προσέπεσον R G. προσέπεσαν T Tr WH (see πίπτω, at the beginning), participle feminine προσπεσοῦσα; from Homer down; properly, to fall toward, fall upon (πρός, IV. 1) i. e.

1. to fall forward, to fall down, prostrate oneself before, in homage or supplication: with the dative of a person, at one's feet, Mark 3:11; Mark 5:33; Luke 8:28, 47; Acts 16:29 (Psalm 94:6 (); Polybius, Plutarch, others); τοῖς γόνασι τίνος, Luke 5:8 (Euripides, Or. 1332; Plutarch); πρός τούς πόδας τίνος, Mark 7:25.

2. to rush upon, beat against: τῇ οἰκία (of winds beating against a house), Matthew 7:25 (not Lachmann; cf. προσπαίω).

Strong’s Greek 4363 describes the decisive, often sudden movement of falling forward toward someone or something. Eight New Testament occurrences cluster into two main spheres: (1) the physical forces of nature (Matthew 7:25) and (2) human or demonic beings reacting to the presence of divine authority (all other references). The contexts move from inanimate impact to intentional, intensely personal surrender.

Physical Posture as Spiritual Expression

In the biblical world, posture conveyed theology. Kneeling suggested petition; standing implied readiness; falling forward embodied total submission—mind, will and body yielding at once. Every personal use of 4363 pictures a being who recognizes overwhelming power and responds with unreserved abandon.

Matthew’s Illustration of Unshakable Foundations

Matthew 7:25 employs the term for floodwaters that “fell upon that house,” illustrating judgment that tests all earthly structures. Although the verse concerns rain and wind, the violent impact anticipates the spiritual weight felt by every person who later “falls before” Jesus. Both usages communicate irresistible force—natural in the parable, supernatural in the encounters with Christ.

Encounters in the Gospel Narratives

1. Mark 5:33; Luke 8:47 – The woman healed of chronic bleeding falls before Jesus and confesses “the whole truth.” Her posture confirms faith that made her well (Mark 5:34).
2. Mark 7:25 – The Syrophoenician mother instantly prostrates herself, pleading for her daughter. The fall is an acted-out insistence that even “the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
3. Luke 5:8 – Simon Peter’s fall comes with the cry, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” Awareness of divine holiness drives him down before being raised up to discipleship.
4. Mark 3:11; Luke 8:28 – Unclean spirits fall before Jesus and declare His Sonship. The same verb that marks heartfelt worship exposes unwilling yet unavoidable confession by demonic forces.

From Terror to Transformation: Acts 16:29

When the Philippian jailer sees prison doors opened, he “fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.” The earthquake that shattered cells also shattered his self-sufficiency. His next words—“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”—show that falling becomes the doorway to faith and baptism (Acts 16:30–33).

The Gesture’s Theological Weight

1. Recognition of Sovereignty – Whether a supplicant seeking mercy, a disciple convicted of sin, or a demon acknowledging defeat, every instance testifies that Christ’s authority brooks no rivalry.
2. Revelation of Identity – The posture often precedes a verbal confession (“You are the Son of God,” “I am a sinful man,” “truthfully all the crowd pressed against You”). The body moves first; lips follow.
3. Foreshadowing Eschatological Submission – These narrative vignettes preview the universal prostration Paul foresees: “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow” (Philippians 2:10).

Pastoral and Missional Implications

• Worship: Congregational gatherings may modernize setting, yet the heart posture mirrored in 4363—humble, urgent surrender—remains indispensable.
• Evangelism: Like the Philippian jailer, seekers today often need an “earthquake” moment that topples defenses so they can grasp the gospel.
• Spiritual Warfare: The demoniac scenes remind believers that evil ultimately collapses before Jesus’ authority; our confidence rests in His supremacy, not our own strength.
• Discipleship: Peter’s fall precedes his call. Genuine recognition of sin empties hands so Christ can fill them with Kingdom purpose.

Selected Texts (Berean Standard Bible)

Luke 5:8 – “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees. ‘Go away from me, Lord,’ he said, ‘for I am a sinful man.’”

Mark 5:33 – “Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him in trembling and fear, and told Him the whole truth.”

Acts 16:29 – “Calling for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.”

Conclusion

Strong’s 4363 unites storm, sinner, saint, and spirit world in one reality: all must reckon with an authority greater than themselves. The wise builder prepares for the unavoidable fall of judgment; the worshiper embraces the blessed fall of repentance; the Church awaits the final day when every creature will fall and confess Jesus Christ is Lord.