Brief Overview of προλέγω (Strong’s G4302: prolegō)

Strong’s G4302: A compound verb combining “pro” (before) and “legō” (to say), meaning to tell beforehand or forewarn. In biblical usage, it primarily appears in contexts of apostolic warning and prophetic announcement, especially regarding future judgment or spiritual dangers.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προλέγω embodies the concept of authoritative forewarning and prophetic declaration. As a compound word, it combines anticipatory speech with clear declaration. In the New Testament, particularly in 2 Corinthians 13:2 and Galatians 5:21, it appears in contexts of pastoral warning and spiritual guidance. The early church recognized this term as essential for both prophetic ministry and pastoral care, emphasizing the importance of preventive spiritual guidance. Today, it continues to remind us of the importance of clear spiritual warning and prophetic declaration in Christian ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προλέγω, prolegō, pro-LEG-ō
• Pronunciation Guide: pro (as in “pro-fessional”) + LEG (as in “leg”) + ō (as in “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before”
• λέγω (legō) – root verb meaning “to say, speak”
• -ω (-ō) – verbal suffix indicating first person singular present active

D – Defining Meanings

• To tell beforehand
• To forewarn
• To predict or prophesy

For compound words:
The prefix πρό (pro-) adds the temporal aspect of “beforehand,” while λέγω (legō) provides the basic meaning of speaking or declaring.

Translation Options:

• “to forewarn” – emphasizes the cautionary aspect
• “to predict” – highlights the prophetic element
• “to tell in advance” – stresses the temporal sequence

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προφητεύω (prophēteuō, pro-fay-TEU-ō) – See G4395: emphasizes inspired prediction
• προλαλέω (prolaleō, pro-la-LE-ō) – See G4303: focuses on speaking before
• προαγγέλλω (proaggellō, pro-an-GEL-lō) – See G4293: emphasizes formal announcement

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προλέγω exhibits:

• Tense: Present/Perfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative/Participle
• Person: First/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Perfective

Examples of morphological changes:

• Present: “I forewarn”
• Perfect: “I have forewarned”
• Participle: “forewarning”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use in contexts of warning and prediction. Thayer’s highlights its pastoral and prophetic applications. LSJ notes its frequent use in classical Greek for predictions. Vine’s connects it to apostolic authority. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting anticipatory declaration. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri showing its use in official warnings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
2 Corinthians 13:2: “I warned [προείρηκα] those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them.”

Additional References:
Galatians 5:21
1 Thessalonians 3:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προλέγω beautifully captures the pastoral heart of prophetic ministry. This word proclaims the good news by showing God’s care in warning His people before danger and His faithfulness in declaring things before they happen. It reminds us that divine warnings come from love and that God’s forewarnings are meant to guide us toward righteousness in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

• Προλέγω was a technical term in Greek oracular prophecy
• The word appears in Paul’s letters primarily in contexts of pastoral warning
• It was used in early Christian literature to describe both apostolic authority and prophetic ministry

Strong’s G4302: A compound verb meaning to tell beforehand or forewarn, used primarily in contexts of pastoral warning and prophetic declaration. Emphasizes both the authority and care inherent in spiritual leadership’s responsibility to warn and guide.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: warning, prophecy, prediction, pastoral-care, apostolic-authority, forewarning, corinthians, galatians, thessalonians, spiritual-guidance, church-discipline, leadership​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​