προσανατίθημι

I consult with

Definition

The verb προσανατίθημι means to consult with someone, to confer, or to lay something before another for consideration. In its two New Testament occurrences, it carries a nuanced sense of seeking counsel or imparting information to ensure alignment. In Galatians 1:16, Paul states he did not immediately 'consult with' (προσανατίθεμαι) flesh and blood after his revelation, emphasizing his direct divine commissioning. In Galatians 2:6, the word is used regarding the apostles in Jerusalem who 'added nothing' (οὐδὲν προσανέθεντο) to Paul's message, indicating they did not impose additional requirements or doctrines after conferring.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice, both in Paul's letter to the Galatians. It appears in contexts of apostolic authority and the validation of the gospel message. In Galatians 1:16, it describes Paul's deliberate choice not to seek human validation. In Galatians 2:6, it describes the Jerusalem apostles' act of conferring and their subsequent decision not to add to Paul's teaching. The usage pattern highlights moments of significant theological confirmation and the source of apostolic authority.

Etymology

Derived from πρό (pros, 'toward' or 'in addition to') and ἀνατίθημι (anatithēmi, 'to set up, lay upon, or communicate'). The compound verb thus carries the sense of 'to lay something before someone additionally' or 'to confer with.' It implies a deliberate act of presenting information for mutual consideration or advice.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on the nature of apostolic authority and the divine origin of the gospel. Paul's use underscores that his gospel came by revelation from Jesus Christ, not from human consultation (Galatians 1:11-12). The Jerusalem apostles' subsequent 'non-addition' (Galatians 2:6) confirms the unity and sufficiency of the message of grace. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the careful processes of validation and the priority of divine revelation in the early church.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, consulting with respected figures or councils was a common practice for validating important decisions or teachings. Paul's mention of not consulting 'flesh and blood' (Galatians 1:16) would resonate as a bold claim of independent, divine authority, contrasting with typical cultural expectations of seeking endorsement from established authorities.

συμβουλεύω (symbouleuō, G4823) — to advise or counsel, more general in giving advice; ἀνακοινόω (anakinoō, G312) — to communicate, share, or make known, focusing on the imparting of information.

Word Details

Scripture References