Brief Overview of προβάλλω (Strong’s G4261: proballō)

Strong’s G4261: A compound verb meaning “to put forth” or “to shoot forth,” combining πρό (forth) with βάλλω (to throw/cast). In its New Testament usage, it describes both natural growth (as in Luke’s fig tree parable) and human actions, emphasizing visible manifestation or emergence.

U- Unveiling the Word

προβάλλω combines forward movement with the concept of emergence or manifestation. In Luke 21:30, Jesus uses it to describe trees putting forth leaves, creating a powerful metaphor for recognizing signs of God’s kingdom. In Acts 19:33, it describes putting someone forward in a crowd. Early church writers expanded its usage to discuss the manifestation of spiritual fruits and divine purposes. Today, this word continues to illustrate how spiritual realities become visible in our lives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προβάλλω, proballō, pro-BAL-lo
• Detailed Pronunciation: pro (as in ‘protein’) + BAL (as in ‘ballet’) + lo (as in ‘low’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: πρό- (pro-) meaning “forth/forward”
• Root: βάλλω (ballō) meaning “to throw/cast”
• The combination creates “to throw forward/put forth”

D – Defining Meanings

• To put forth
• To shoot forth
• To bring forward
• To manifest visibly

For compound words:
πρό- adds directional force to βάλλω’s action, creating the concept of bringing or putting something forward into view.

Translation Options:

1. To put forth – Best captures both natural and deliberate action
2. To shoot forth – Emphasizes natural growth
3. To bring forward – Highlights intentional presentation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκβάλλω (ekballō) [ek-BAL-lo] – to cast out, more forceful
• παραβάλλω (paraballō) [pa-ra-BAL-lo] – to compare, different direction
• See G4261

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προβάλλω shows:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Subjunctive
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Subjunctive, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural, Singular
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present: προβάλλω (I put forth)
• Aorist: προέβαλον (I put forth)
• Subjunctive: προβάλω (I might put forth)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both natural and intentional meanings. Thayer’s notes its use in botanical contexts. LSJ documents its broad range of applications. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical significance. Moulton and Milligan show its use in agricultural contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they [προβάλλω] put out leaves, you see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.” Luke 21:30

Additional References:
Acts 19:33

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

προβάλλω beautifully illustrates how God’s work becomes visible in our lives. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus’s kingdom manifests itself in recognizable ways, just as trees show their seasons. This word reminds us that spiritual growth and divine purposes have visible manifestations that we can discern and respond to.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient farmers used this term to track crop development stages.
2. Early Christian writers used it to describe spiritual growth patterns.
3. The word influenced botanical terminology in Greek scientific texts.

Strong’s G4261: A compound verb meaning “to put forth” or “to shoot forth,” combining πρό (forth) with βάλλω (to throw/cast). In its New Testament usage, it describes both natural growth (as in Luke’s fig tree parable) and human actions, emphasizing visible manifestation or emergence.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: growth, manifestation, emergence, natural process, signs, parables, visible evidence, spiritual development, divine timing, seasons, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​