προσπήγνυμι
prospḗgnymi
G4362 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To fasten or fix onto a surface or object, particularly by impaling or nailing; in specific contexts, to fasten a person or object by affixing to another object such as wood or a stake, often with sharp instruments. In later Koine context, used especially of execution by impalement or affixing to a wooden pole or cross.
Semantic Range
to fasten onto, to impale, to set up by nailing, to fix publicly (for display), to crucify (in contexts of Roman execution), to suspend
Root / Etymology
Derived from πρός (prep., 'towards, onto') and πήγνυμι ('to fix, to fasten, to stick'). The compound brings together the prepositional sense of direction or proximity and the action of fastening or fixing firmly. Cognate with the verb πήγνυμι, which has a core sense of setting or fixing in place.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, πήγνυμι generally means 'to fasten', 'to plant', or 'to fix'. The compound προσπήγνυμι develops in later Greek to refer more specifically to the act of affixing by impaling or nailing, especially in judicial or violent contexts. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament periods, προσπήγνυμι is associated with execution methods involving fastening or impalement, typically related to punitive death (cf. Num 25:4 LXX). Despite translation traditions rendering this as 'crucify', the term does not inherently specify the Roman method of crucifixion nor its later Christian theological connotations. It denotes the general act of impaling, fixing, or suspending. The nuance may vary according to author, era, or context, distinguishing it from the more technical term σταυρόω ('to crucify' in the sense of Roman execution). English 'crucify' as a rendering may impose a particular cultural-religious meaning not always present in ancient use. The root sense is broader: to fasten forthwith, to impale, or affix visibly and firmly.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρός and πήγνυμι; to fasten to, i.e. (specially), to impale (on a cross):--crucify.
Root Family
προσπήγνυμι (prospēgnymi) — to fasten, to fix onto, to impale
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4362-01 |
προσπήξαντες | prospexantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having nailed | having fastened onto | having fastened onto | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4362-01 |
Acts 2:23 | προσπήξαντες | prospexantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having nailed | having fastened onto | having fastened onto |