Brief Overview of προβιβάζω (Strong’s G4264: probibazō)

Strong’s G4264: A compound verb meaning “to urge forward” or “to instruct beforehand,” combining πρό (before/forward) with βιβάζω (to cause to go). In New Testament usage, it particularly describes influential instruction or persuasion, as seen in Herodias’s manipulation of her daughter.

U- Unveiling the Word

προβιβάζω represents powerful influence through instruction or persuasion. In its appearance in Matthew 14:8, it describes negative manipulation as Herodias prompted her daughter to demand John the Baptist’s head. Early church writers used this term to discuss both positive instruction and negative influence. Today, this word reminds us of the power of instruction and the responsibility that comes with influence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προβιβάζω, probibazō, pro-bee-BAH-zo
• Detailed Pronunciation: pro (as in ‘protein’) + bee + BAH (stressed) + zo (as in ‘zone’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: πρό- (pro-) meaning “before/forward”
• Root: βιβάζω (bibazō) meaning “to cause to go”
• The combination creates “to lead forward/instruct”

D – Defining Meanings

• To urge forward
• To teach previously
• To prompt
• To instruct beforehand

For compound words:
πρό- adds directional/temporal force to βιβάζω’s meaning of causing movement, creating the concept of leading or instructing forward.

Translation Options:

1. To instruct beforehand – Emphasizes teaching aspect
2. To prompt – Captures influencing aspect
3. To urge forward – More literal translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διδάσκω (didaskō) [di-DAS-ko] – to teach, more general instruction
• παραινέω (paraineō) [par-ai-NEH-o] – to exhort, more encouraging
• See G4264

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προβιβάζω shows:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Punctiliar (single action)

Examples:

• Aorist Passive Participle: προβιβασθεῖσα (having been instructed)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of influence. Thayer’s notes its connection to prior instruction. LSJ documents its use in educational contexts. Vine’s highlights its manipulative aspect in Matthew. Moulton and Milligan cite its use in teaching contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And she, being [προβιβάζω] prompted by her mother, said, ‘Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.'” Matthew 14:8

Additional References:
Acts 19:33

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

προβιβάζω reminds us of the power of influence and instruction. While it appears in a negative context in Matthew, it proclaims the good news by contrast, showing how King Jesus positively influences and guides His followers. This word calls us to consider how we use our influence and to ensure we guide others toward truth rather than manipulation.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in ancient educational treatises.
2. Early Christian catechists used this term for preliminary instruction.
3. It appears in ancient legal texts describing witness preparation.

Strong’s G4264: A compound verb meaning “to urge forward” or “to instruct beforehand,” combining πρό (before/forward) with βιβάζω (to cause to go). In New Testament usage, it particularly describes influential instruction or persuasion, as seen in Herodias’s manipulation of her daughter.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: instruction, influence, teaching, manipulation, guidance, preparation, leadership, responsibility, education, discipleship, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​