Brief Overview of προκυρόω (Strong’s G4300: prokuroō)

Strong’s G4300: A compound verb combining “pro” (before) and “kuroō” (to confirm/ratify), meaning to establish or confirm beforehand. In biblical context, it specifically refers to God’s prior ratification of the covenant with Abraham, emphasizing the unchangeable nature of divine promises.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προκυρόω carries the weight of legal and covenant authority, combining the concept of prior action with formal ratification. In Galatians 3:17, Paul uses this term to emphasize the enduring validity of God’s covenant with Abraham, which the later giving of the Law could not invalidate. The early church understood this term as highlighting the immutability of God’s promises and the precedence of grace over law. Today, it continues to affirm the unchangeable nature of God’s covenant promises and their fulfillment in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προκυρόω, prokuroō, pro-ku-RO-ō
• Pronunciation Guide: pro (as in “pro-fessional”) + ku (as in “coo”) + RO (as in “row”) + ō (as in “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before”
• κυρόω (kuroō) – root verb meaning “to confirm, ratify”
• -ω (-ō) – verbal suffix indicating first person singular present active

D – Defining Meanings

• To ratify beforehand
• To establish previously
• To confirm in advance

For compound words:
The prefix πρό (pro-) adds the temporal aspect of “beforehand,” while κυρόω (kuroō) provides the sense of legal or formal ratification.

Translation Options:

• “to ratify beforehand” – emphasizes the legal aspect
• “to establish previously” – highlights the temporal sequence
• “to confirm in advance” – stresses the authoritative nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κυρόω (kuroō, ku-RO-ō) – See G2964: to confirm without the “before” aspect
• βεβαιόω (bebaioō, be-by-O-ō) – See G950: to establish or make firm
• προορίζω (proorizō, pro-o-RID-zo) – See G4309: to predetermine

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προκυρόω exhibits:

• Tense: Perfect
• Voice: Passive
• Mood: Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Perfective

The perfect tense is significant, indicating:

• Present: “I ratify beforehand”
• Perfect: “I have ratified beforehand”
• Passive: “having been ratified beforehand”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s legal and covenant implications. Thayer’s highlights its use in formal ratification contexts. LSJ notes its frequent use in legal documents. Vine’s connects it to the permanence of divine covenants. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting prior establishment. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri showing its use in legal contracts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Galatians 3:17: “This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified [προκεκυρωμένην] by God, so as to make the promise void.”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, προκυρόω appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προκυρόω beautifully captures the unshakeable nature of God’s covenant promises. This word proclaims the good news by showing that God’s gracious covenant with Abraham, and by extension His promises in Christ, stand firm regardless of subsequent events or human failing. It assures us that God’s promises are irrevocable and that His grace precedes and supersedes law.

D – Did You Know?

• Προκυρόω was a technical term in ancient legal documents for prior ratification
• The word appears in papyri regarding inheritance and property rights
• Its use in Galatians influenced theological understanding of the relationship between law and grace

Strong’s G4300: A compound verb signifying prior ratification or establishment, particularly used of God’s covenant with Abraham. Emphasizes the unchangeable nature of divine promises and their precedence over the Mosaic Law.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: covenant, promise, ratification, abraham, law, grace, galatians, confirmation, establishment, divine-promises, legal-terms, paul​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​