Original Word: προσποιέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: prospoieó
Pronunciation: pros-poy-EH-o
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-poy-eh'-om-ahee)
KJV: make as though
NASB: acted as though
Word Origin: [middle voice from G4314 (πρός - against) and G4160 (ποιέω - do)]

1. to do forward for oneself, i.e. pretend (as if about to do a thing)

pretend, make as though.

Middle voice from pros and poieo; to do forward for oneself, i.e. Pretend (as if about to do a thing) -- make as though.

see GREEK pros

see GREEK poieo

Word Origin
from pros and poieó
Definition
to attach to, take to oneself, hence to pretend
NASB Translation
acted as though (1).

STRONGS NT 4364: προσποιέω

προσποιέω: middle, present participle προσποιούμενος (see below); imperfect 3 person singular προσεποιεῖτο (Luke 24:28, for which L text T Tr WH give the 1 aorist προσεποιήσατο); in prose writings from Herodotus down; to add to (cf. German hinzumachen); middle

1. to take or claim (a thing) to oneself.

2. to conform oneself to a thing, or rather to affect to oneself; therefore to pretend, followed by an infinitive (A. V. made as though he would etc.), Luke 24:28; κατέγραφεν εἰς τήν γῆν μή προσποιούμενος, John 8:6 according to manuscripts E G H K etc. (cf. Matthaei (1803 edition) at the passage). (So in Thucydides, Xenophon, Plato, Demosthenes, others; Diodorus 15, 46; Philo in Flac. § 6; (in § 12 followed by participle; Josephus, contra Apion 1, 1); Aelian v. h. 8, 5; Plutarch, Timol. 5; (Test xii. Patr., test. Jos. § 3).)

Occurrence in Scripture

Luke 24:28 is the sole New Testament instance of Strong’s 4364, describing the risen Lord on the Emmaus road: “As they approached the village where they were headed, He seemed to be going farther” (Berean Standard Bible).

Narrative Context: The Road to Emmaus

The verb portrays Jesus Christ, unrecognized by the two disciples, adopting the appearance of continuing His journey. This narrative device heightens their desire for fellowship and sets the stage for the climactic revelation “in the breaking of the bread” (Luke 24:35). By “seeming” to depart, the Savior invites an earnest invitation, demonstrating that divine truth is often disclosed to those who actively seek and welcome Him (compare Jeremiah 29:13; Revelation 3:20).

The Savior’s Pedagogical Method

1. Awakening Desire: Christ’s apparent intention to travel farther elicits the disciples’ plea, “Stay with us” (Luke 24:29). The Gospel frequently presents Jesus drawing out deeper longing before imparting fuller understanding (Mark 7:24-30; John 4:7-26).
2. Progressive Revelation: The risen Lord first opens the Scriptures (Luke 24:27), then opens their eyes (Luke 24:31). The brief ruse serves the pedagogical sequence: Scripture, fellowship, recognition.
3. Respect for Human Will: Jesus does not impose His presence; He waits to be invited. This underscores the harmony between divine initiative and human response found throughout redemption history (Joshua 24:15; John 1:12).

Theological Observations

• Authenticity of Christ’s Resurrection Body: His ability to appear and seemingly depart underscores the glorified body’s continuity with, yet distinction from, pre-resurrection limitations (Philippians 3:21).
• Divine Condescension: The Lord stoops to human level, using culturally understood gestures to communicate eternal truths (Hebrews 2:14-18).
• Integrity of Scripture: The single occurrence of this term, set in a rigorously historical account, demonstrates the evangelist’s fidelity to eyewitness detail (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:3).

Related Biblical Examples of Assumed Appearance

• Joseph concealing his identity before his brothers (Genesis 42:7).
• Nathan presenting a parable to convict David (2 Samuel 12:1-7).
• Jesus testing the Syrophoenician woman by initially remaining silent (Matthew 15:23-28).

In each case, temporary concealment serves a redemptive purpose, leading participants to repentance, faith, or deeper understanding.

Historical Commentary

Early church fathers such as Origen and Augustine viewed Christ’s action on the Emmaus road as an emblem of the spiritual journey: the Word walks with believers, expounds Scripture, and waits for invitation into intimate fellowship. Medieval commentators emphasized hospitality, noting that grace often enters the household through acts of kindness to strangers (Hebrews 13:2). Reformation expositors highlighted the primacy of Scripture in opening eyes, seeing in Luke 24 a model for preaching that begins with Moses and the Prophets and ends with Christ.

Applications for Modern Ministry

• Encourage Congregations to Invite: Teach believers to echo the disciples’ plea, cultivating practices—prayer, worship, hospitality—that “constrain” the Lord to stay.
• Preach for Pursuit: Like Christ’s simulated departure, sermons may pose questions that compel further seeking, fostering active rather than passive discipleship.
• Model Patient Instruction: Disciplers can walk alongside learners, allowing them to verbalize confusion before unveiling fuller truths, mirroring Jesus’ Emmaus method.

Conclusion

Strong’s 4364, though appearing only once, illuminates a profound aspect of the Lord’s post-resurrection ministry: He sometimes veils His intentions to kindle desire, invite fellowship, and lead His followers into deeper scriptural and personal comprehension. The episode calls every generation to seek, to invite, and to discover the living Christ who still walks the road with His people.

προσεποιείτο προσεποιήσαντό προσεποιησατο προσεποιήσατο prosepoiesato prosepoiēsato prosepoiḗsatoInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts