[Greek] προσφέρω (prospherō), [Latin] offere, [Latin] oblatus, [Latin] inducere, [Latin] arbitrare, [French] entrer, [French] introdruirer: to bring to, to offer, to present, to hand over, to lead to, to bear toward, to carry forward, to succeed, to make an offering, to carry to, to prosper, to deal with, to render successfully; Heb. 12:7, Mt.22:19, Lk.23:14, Mt.2:11, Mt.4:24, Mt. 8:16, Mt. 9:2, Mt. 9:32, Mt.12:2, Mt. 14:35, Mt.17:16, Mk.10:13, Lk.23:36, Jn.19:29
The Jews hand over Jesus to Pontus Pilate
Background Information:
Secular use: This term is used in a variety of ways. In a historical context, this term means to bring news, to act, to present gifts, and to encounter someone. In a poetic context, this term is used to bring to and to apply. In a medical context, this term means to set before and to give to. In a philosophical context, this term means to take or to enjoy.
Old Testament: This term refers to several related Hebrew meanings. In addition to its cultic sense, this term refers to approaching, appointing, presenting, and appearing. He drew near a camp (Ex.32:19). I shall appoint myself before Him (Job.31:37). Pharaoh was already near then the Israelites looked up (Ex.14:10). Bring an animal offering the Lord (Lev.1:2). You must present yourselves by tribes (Josh.7:14). You have become an object of scorn (Eze.22:4). Moses laid their case before the Lord (Num.27:5).
New Testament: This term is used in the sense of bringing, acting (behaving) towards others, handing over, and offering. In providing discipline, God acts like a father. The sick, paralyzed, and possessed are brought to Jesus. Jesus is handed over to Pilate. Money, coins, and talents are given. The traditional Old Testament practice of offering sacrifices becomes obsolete in light of Jesus’ role of Messiah.
Scripture:
“Endure your trials as discipline; God treats you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” Heb.12:7
Trials (suffering) can be viewed as discipline. Like a father who knows what’s best for us, God administers discipline like a loving Father.
“You brought this man to me and accused Him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him.” Lk.23:14
The Jews hand Jesus over to Pilate. The Jews fear Jesus’s authority and influence.
“Show me the coin that pays the census tax. Then they handed Him the Roman coin.” Mt.22:19
Jews handed Jesus a Roman coin in order to trick Jesus about who has authority. Jesus sees through their deception and indicates different types of authority.
Prospero: This is the Spanish name meaning wealthy. This is the Latin name meaning fortune. This is also the name of one of Shakespheare’s more complex characters. Like his name, Prospero “succeeds” in both garnering sympathy, scorn, and finally again sympathy in the play The Tempest. The Tempest serves as Shakespeare’s swan song as a successful and prolific playwright. Many critics have commented that Prospero becomes a surrogate for Shakespeare’s creative process.
Conclusion:
Proffer, prosper, prosperity, offer, oblate, induce, introduction, arbitration, enter
I would haven’t considered that this term would be used in a poetic or medical context. I am not surprised that this term is found in a philosophical context. To be honest, I am not very familiar with Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Perhaps this character Prospero is appropriately named for being so successful in emotionally manipulating the readers (and audience).
Considering the predominant cultic practice in the Old Testament culture, I was surprised by the many other uses of this term. Later, in the New Testament culture, the practice of offering sacrifices essentially stops, undergoing a profound paradigm shift. This is in part due to role of Jesus as the Messiah, who is accessible to us. Instead of offerings, people come to Him to get healed.
Although, the word proffer is hardly used, this term relates to offering a resignation or a pension plan. When one carries forward, accomplishes, or succeeds, one prospers.