Strong’s G4285: From pro (before) and hēgeomai (to lead), προηγέομαι means to go before as a leader or to take the lead in showing honor. In biblical context, it specifically refers to taking initiative in showing respect and consideration to others within the Christian community.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προηγέομαι embodies the concept of taking the lead in showing honor to others. As a compound word combining προ (before) with ἡγέομαι (to lead/guide), it creates a unique term that speaks to the initiative of Christian love. In Romans 12:10, Paul uses this term to instruct believers to take the lead in showing honor to one another, emphasizing proactive Christian courtesy. Early church fathers employed this term to discuss Christian humility and mutual respect. Today, it continues to challenge believers to take initiative in showing Christ-like honor and consideration to others.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προηγέομαι, proēgeomai, /pro-ē-ge’o-mai/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in “professional”) + ē (as in “hey”) + ge (as in “get”) + o (as in “oh”) + mai (as in “my”)
• Part of Speech: Verb (Deponent)

Etymology:

• προ- (pro-): prefix meaning “before”
• ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai): root verb meaning “to lead” or “to guide”
• -μαι (-mai): middle/passive voice ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To go before as a leader
• To take the lead in showing honor
• To outdo in showing respect
• To take initiative in showing consideration

For compound words:
The prefix προ- adds the sense of “before” or “taking initiative” to the root verb ἡγέομαι (to lead), creating the concept of leading the way in showing honor or respect.

Translation Options:

• “to outdo in showing honor” – emphasizes the competitive aspect
• “to take the lead in showing respect” – highlights the initiative aspect
• “to go before in giving honor” – most literal translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai) /hē-ge’o-mai/ – to lead or guide, without the element of initiative
• προΐστημι (proistēmi) /pro-i’stē-mi/ – to stand before, emphasizing authority
• προπορεύομαι (proporeuomai) /pro-po-reu’o-mai/ – to go before, emphasizing physical movement

See G4285

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a deponent verb, προηγέομαι shows these patterns:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Future
• Voice: Middle/Passive form with active meaning
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Optative, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Future)

Examples in English:

• I take the lead in showing honor
• You take the lead in showing honor
• He/She/It takes the lead in showing honor
• We take the lead in showing honor
• You (plural) take the lead in showing honor
• They take the lead in showing honor

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its unique usage in showing honor to others. Thayer’s notes its connection to Christian courtesy. LSJ documents its classical use for leadership. Vine’s connects it to Christian humility. Strong’s highlights its compound nature. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint for leadership. Moulton and Milligan provide examples from papyri showing social courtesy.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Love one another with brotherly affection. [Προηγέομαι] Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προηγέομαι beautifully captures Christ-like humility in action. This word proclaims the good news by showing how the gospel transforms relationships, calling believers to take initiative in honoring others above themselves, just as Christ took the initiative in showing love to us. It reminds us that true Christian community is marked by proactive honor and mutual respect.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was used in ancient hospitality contexts for hosts taking initiative in honoring guests.
2. Early Christian writers used it to describe Christ’s example of servant leadership.
3. The word appears in ancient diplomatic documents for showing respect in international relations.

Strong’s G4285: From pro (before) and hēgeomai (to lead), προηγέομαι means to go before as a leader or to take the lead in showing honor. In biblical context, it specifically refers to taking initiative in showing respect and consideration to others within the Christian community.

Part of speech: Verb (Deponent)

Tags: honor, leadership, initiative, respect, humility, compound verb, deponent verb, Christian love, community, relationships​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​