προσαπειλέω
prosapeiléō
G4324 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To add a threat or menace, to threaten in addition to what has already been threatened; to issue further or additional threats in speech or action. In context, refers to intensifying or supplementing a warning or threat already issued, typically in official or authoritative discourse.
Semantic Range
to threaten further, to add a threat, to menace in addition, to reiterate or intensify a threat, to issue an additional warning
Root / Etymology
From the preposition πρός ('to', 'towards', 'in addition') and the verb ἀπειλέω ('to threaten', 'to menace'). Literally, 'to add to a threat' or 'to threaten further'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, προσαπειλέω occurs in administrative or legal contexts to describe the act of supplementing an initial threat with additional menacing words or warnings, often as a means of intensifying persuasion or pressure. In the New Testament, found in Acts 4:21, used with reference to the authorities further threatening the apostles after their initial warning. The compound structure emphasizes escalation or reiteration of authority via threat, reflecting a common rhetorical technique in legal and deliberative settings. The sense of 'to threaten further' is well captured in most modern translations, though 'menace additionally' better highlights the compound's force. Contrast with ἀπειλέω, which means simply 'to threaten', lacking the nuance of repetition or addition conveyed by the prefix πρός. Rare outside of biblical Greek; not used in classical literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρός and ἀπειλέω; to menace additionally:--i.e. threaten further.
Root Family
προσαπειλέω (prosapeileō) — threaten further, add a threat, intensify menace
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4324-01 |
προσαπειλησάμενοι | prosapeilesamenoi | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL |
having threatened further | having further threatened themselves | having further threatened | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4324-01 |
Acts 4:21 | προσαπειλησάμενοι | prosapeilesamenoi | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M PL |
having threatened further | having further threatened themselves | having further threatened |