προσκαρτέρησις
proskartérēsis
G4343 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The act of persisting with steadfast attention; continuous devotion or perseverance, especially in carrying on a task or maintaining focus on a pursuit. Specifically, the state or quality of actively persisting in something, often in reference to steadfastness in communal life, prayer, or service.
Semantic Range
persistent devotion, perseverance, steadfast attention, continued service, dedication to a practice or group, tenacious adherence
Root / Etymology
Formed from the verb προσκαρτερέω ('to persist, to be devoted to, to continue steadfastly'), itself from πρός ('towards') and καρτερέω ('to be steadfast, enduring'). The suffix -σις forms a noun of action or state.
Historical & Contextual Notes
προσκαρτέρησις, a relatively rare noun in the Koine period, appears in later Greek literature and is derived directly from the much more common verb προσκαρτερέω. In the New Testament and related literature, this term refers to an attitude or practice of ongoing commitment, particularly in communal or religious context—e.g., persistence in prayer, fellowship, or service. Though often simply rendered 'perseverance' or 'devotion' in English translations, the word carries a nuance of active, intentional continuation rather than mere passive endurance. Not attested in older Classical Greek, and its use reflects the growing importance in Hellenistic and early Christian writings of sustained commitment to communal and spiritual activities. Related terminology (e.g., ὑπομονὴ 'endurance', καρτερία 'steadfastness') overlaps but προσκαρτέρησις emphasizes directed, persistent effort usually in relation to a goal or practice. Standard English renderings such as 'perseverance' or 'devotion' sometimes understate this directed, active engagement.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from προσκαρτερέω; persistancy:--perseverance.
Root Family
προσκαρτέρησις (proskartérēsis) — persistent devotion, perseverance, steadfast attention, continued dedication
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4343-01 |
προσκαρτερήσει | proskarteresei | N DAT F SG |
perseverance | in steadfast devotion | perseverance | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4343-01 |
Ephesians 6:18 | προσκαρτερήσει | proskarteresei | N DAT F SG |
perseverance | in steadfast devotion | perseverance |