προσαναβαίνω (G4320) — Greek Lexicon

προσαναβαίνω

prosanabaínō

G4320 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To go up further or advance higher, particularly in a spatial or figurative sense; to proceed to a higher place or position. In literary and formal contexts, the verb often indicates ascending with a sense of furthering a previous movement upward, such as approaching a dais, platform, or elevated position, but may also be used in the sense of advancing in rank or honor.

Semantic Range

to go up further, to advance upward, to proceed to a higher place, to be promoted to a place of honor, to move to a superior position

Root / Etymology

Formed from πρός (toward, to, in addition) and ἀναβαίνω (to go up, ascend), indicating a movement upwards that is intensified or directed further beyond an initial ascent.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested primarily in later Koine and Hellenistic Greek, προσαναβαίνω is a compound verb emphasizing an additional step or stage in ascent, whether literal (moving up further to a higher place) or metaphorical (advancing in status or honor). In biblical contexts (e.g., Luke 14:10), the term engages the social imagery of banquet seating, where taking a higher seat reflects public honor. The term occurs infrequently in extant Greek literature and is particularly marked by its social and ceremonial associations in Jewish and Greco-Roman dining settings. Standard English translations often render it as 'go up' or 'move up,' which may obscure the notion of further ascent or greater honor implicit in the original. The term stands in contrast with related verbs such as ἀναβαίνω ('ascend'), which does not have the sense of 'further' or 'in addition.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πρός and ἀναβαίνω; to ascend farther, i.e. be promoted (take an upper (more honorable) seat):--go up.

Root Family

ἀναβαίνω (prosanabaínō) — to go up, to ascend

Root ἀναβαίνω to go up, to ascend

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4320-01`	προσανάβηθι	prosanabethi	`V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG`	move up	Advance yourself higher	advance yourself higher	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4320-01`	Luke 14:10	προσανάβηθι	prosanabethi	`V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG`	move up	Advance yourself higher	advance yourself higher

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