προστίθημι

I put to, add, do again

Definition

The verb προστίθημι (prostithēmi) primarily means 'to add' or 'to put to,' but its usage in the New Testament reveals two key senses. First, it often describes a simple, literal addition or increase, such as adding to one's height (Luke 12:25) or adding days to one's life (Matthew 6:27). Second, and more significantly, it frequently carries the sense of 'to do again' or 'to repeat an action,' as seen in the phrase 'and it came to pass' (e.g., Luke 19:11). In imperative contexts, it can mean 'to give' or 'to grant,' as when the disciples ask the Lord to 'add faith to us' (Luke 17:5).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 18 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and especially Luke. It is used in a variety of contexts: in teachings about God's provision (Matthew 6:33, Luke 12:31), in narrative to indicate a subsequent event (Luke 3:20), in requests for divine increase (Luke 17:5), and in proverbial sayings about measure (Mark 4:24). A clear pattern is its use in the phrase 'and it came to pass' (καὶ ἐγένετο... καὶ προστέθηκεν) in Luke's writings, marking a narrative continuation.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition πρό (pro), meaning 'before' or 'to,' and the common verb τίθημι (tithēmi), meaning 'to place' or 'to put.' Its literal sense is 'to place to' or 'to put toward,' which naturally extends to the meanings 'to add' or 'to join.' This construction is straightforward, and its semantic range is consistent with its component parts.

Semantic Range

While not a technical theological term, προστίθημι is theologically significant in passages about divine provision and human petition. In Matthew 6:33 and Luke 12:31, it is used in Jesus' promise that God will 'add' all necessary things to those who seek His kingdom, highlighting God's role as the gracious provider. In Luke 17:5, the apostles' request for Jesus to 'add faith' to them underscores that faith is not merely a human achievement but a gift that can be increased by God. Understanding this verb enriches reading by clarifying that these 'additions' are acts of divine grace.

The word's use in the common narrative phrase 'and it came to pass' reflects a Septuagintal (Greek Old Testament) style that Luke adopts to give his Gospel a biblical tone, connecting Jesus' story to the history of Israel. The concept of 'adding' in proverbial sayings (Mark 4:24) aligns with wisdom literature's focus on just measure and reciprocity.

ἐπιτίθημι (epitithēmi, G2007) — to lay upon or impose, often with a more direct, physical sense. προσέχω (prosechō, G4337) — to pay attention or turn to, different in meaning but shares the πρό prefix. αὔξω (auxō, G837) — to grow or increase, focusing on internal growth rather than external addition.

Word Details

Scripture References