προσηλόω
prosēlóō
G4338 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To fasten with nails, specifically to affix or secure something by nailing it to another surface. This verb refers to the physical act of attaching objects (such as a notice, tablet, or a person) by means of a nail or spike, emphasizing the act of securing or fixing firmly and immovably through nailing, whether for display, execution, or another purpose.
Semantic Range
to nail to (a surface), to fasten with nails, to affix or attach (by nailing), to spike fast, metaphorically: to cancel or annul by nailing up (as in a bill, charge, or decree)
Root / Etymology
Formed from the preposition πρός (to, onto, toward) and a verb built on ἧλος (nail, peg). The root verb is uncertain in independent use; the term as a whole denotes 'to nail onto' or 'to fasten to with a nail.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb προσηλόω is rare and appears in Koine Greek primarily in contexts relating to physical fastening, especially in narrative accounts of execution by crucifixion or public posting of decrees. In the New Testament (notably Colossians 2:14), it is used metaphorically to describe the cancellation or neutralization of a legal claim by nailing it (a reference to custom of affixing notices or sentences publicly). Earlier and classical Greek lacks evidence for this verb, and it appears to be a development of Koine or late Hellenistic Greek, paralleling the rise of crucifixion as a known practice. Standard English translations use 'nail,' 'fasten,' or 'affix,' but can under-represent the imagery of firm and irrevocable attachment in public settings. The verb presupposes an object is being fixed to a visible surface, often for display or punitive purpose, and sometimes carries legal or symbolic connotations beyond the literal act.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρός and a derivative of ἧλος; to peg to, i.e. spike fast:--nail to.
Root Family
προσηλόω (prosēloō) — to nail, to peg, to fasten with a nail, to affix by nailing
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4338-01 |
προσηλώσας | proselosas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having nailed | having nailed onto | having nailed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4338-01 |
Colossians 2:14 | προσηλώσας | proselosas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having nailed | having nailed onto | having nailed |