Strong’s G4284: From pro (before) and echō (to have/hold), προέχω means to hold before oneself, to excel, or to have an advantage. In biblical usage, particularly in Romans 3:9, it questions whether one group has any advantage over another before God.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προέχω embodies the concept of having or holding something before others, often in the sense of advantage or superiority. As a compound word combining προ (before) with ἔχω (to have/hold), it creates a term that speaks to position, privilege, or advantage. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term in a pivotal rhetorical question about whether Jews have any advantage over Gentiles in terms of righteousness. Early church fathers employed this term in discussions about equality before God and the nature of divine grace. Today, it continues to challenge notions of spiritual privilege and emphasize the universality of both sin and salvation.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προέχω, proechō, /pro-e’chō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in “professional”) + e (as in “egg”) + chō (as in “chorus”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• προ- (pro-): prefix meaning “before” or “in front of”
• ἔχω (echō): root verb meaning “to have” or “to hold”
• -ω (-ō): primary verb ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To hold before
• To have an advantage
• To excel
• To surpass
• To be superior

For compound words:
The prefix προ- adds the spatial concept of “before” or “in front” to the root verb ἔχω (to have/hold), creating the idea of holding something ahead of others or having an advantage.

Translation Options:

• “to have an advantage” – emphasizes the comparative aspect
• “to excel” – highlights superiority
• “to surpass” – focuses on the relative position

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑπερέχω (huperechō) /hu-per-e’chō/ – to be superior, more emphatic
• πλεονεκτέω (pleonekteō) /ple-o-nek-te’ō/ – to take advantage of, emphasizing gain
• προΐστημι (proistēmi) /pro-i’stē-mi/ – to stand before, emphasizing leadership

See G4284

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προέχω demonstrates these features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Future
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Optative, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Future)

Examples in English:

• I have an advantage
• You have an advantage
• He/She/It has an advantage
• We have an advantage
• You (plural) have an advantage
• They have an advantage

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in comparative contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to superiority claims. LSJ documents its classical use for advantage or excellence. Vine’s connects it to Paul’s argument about universal sin. Strong’s highlights its compound nature. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint for superiority. Moulton and Milligan provide examples from papyri showing social advantage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

What then? Are we Jews any better [προέχω]? Not at all! For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin. Romans 3:9

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προέχω powerfully challenges human claims to spiritual superiority. Through Paul’s use of this term, we see the leveling nature of the gospel that proclaims all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. This word promotes the good news by showing that salvation is not based on human advantage or excellence but on God’s grace freely given to all who believe in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was commonly used in ancient athletic contexts for having an advantage in competition.
2. Early church fathers used it to discuss the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers.
3. The word appears in ancient legal documents regarding social privilege and status.

Strong’s G4284: From pro (before) and echō (to have/hold), προέχω means to hold before oneself, to excel, or to have an advantage. In biblical usage, particularly in Romans 3:9, it questions whether one group has any advantage over another before God.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: advantage, superiority, excellence, comparison, compound verb, equality, privilege, righteousness, sin, grace​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​