Brief Overview of προτίθημι (Strong’s G4388: protithēmi)

Strong’s G4388: A compound verb combining πρό (before) with τίθημι (to place/set), meaning to set forth, purpose, or plan beforehand. Used particularly in theological contexts to describe God’s predetermined plans and human intentional purposes, emphasizing both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προτίθημι represents the act of setting forth a purpose or plan beforehand. As a compound word, it joins πρό (before) with τίθημι (to place/set), creating a term that emphasizes predetermined intention. In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts describing both divine purposes and human plans, particularly in Paul’s writings. The early church understood this term as expressing both God’s sovereign purposes and human intentional planning. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of divine providence and human responsibility.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προτίθημι, protithēmi, /pro-TI-thē-mi/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + ti (as in ‘tea’) + thē (as in ‘they’) + mi (as in ‘me’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before”
• τίθημι (tithēmi) – root verb meaning “to place, set”
  The combination emphasizes placing or setting something beforehand.

D – Defining Meanings

• To purpose beforehand
• To plan in advance
• To set forth

For compound words:
The prefix πρό adds temporal priority to the base verb τίθημι, creating the concept of prior planning or purposing.

Translation Options:

1. “To purpose” – Best captures intentional planning
2. “To set forth” – Emphasizes public declaration
3. “To predetermine” – Highlights prior arrangement

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προορίζω (proorizō, /pro-o-RI-zō/) – To predestine
  See G4309
• βουλεύομαι (bouleuomai, /bou-LEU-o-mai/) – To plan, deliberate
  See G1011
• τάσσω (tassō, /TAS-sō/) – To arrange, appoint
  See G5021

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προτίθημι exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Participle, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προτίθημι (I purpose)
• Aorist: προέθηκα (I purposed)
• Perfect: προτέθεικα (I have purposed)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• πρόθεσις (prothesis) – noun form meaning “purpose, plan”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in both divine and human planning. Thayer’s notes its implications for predetermined purpose. LSJ provides examples from administrative contexts. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from official documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often [προτίθημι] intended to come to you.” Romans 1:13

Additional References:
Romans 3:25
Ephesians 1:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προτίθημι powerfully expresses both divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The good news of King Jesus reveals God’s predetermined plan of salvation while calling for human response and planning. It reminds us that our purposes should align with God’s greater purposes.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in ancient legal documents for formal proposals.
2. It appears in Greek philosophical texts discussing predetermined purposes.
3. Early Christian writers used it to discuss divine providence.

Strong’s G4388: A compound verb combining πρό (before) with τίθημι (to place/set), meaning to set forth, purpose, or plan beforehand. Used particularly in theological contexts to describe God’s predetermined plans and human intentional purposes, emphasizing both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: purpose, planning, predetermination, intention, divine will, human responsibility, sovereignty, providence, forethought, arrangement​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​