Brief Overview of προχειρίζω (Strong’s G4400: procheirizō)

Strong’s G4400: A compound verb combining πρό (before) with χείρ (hand), meaning to appoint, choose beforehand, or put into hand. Used in contexts of divine appointment and preparation for service, particularly emphasizing God’s sovereign selection for specific tasks.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προχειρίζω represents the act of appointing or choosing someone for a specific purpose, literally meaning “to put before hand.” As a compound word derived from business and administrative contexts, it carries the sense of official designation or appointment. In New Testament usage, particularly in Acts, it describes divine appointment for service. The early church understood this term as expressing God’s sovereign selection and preparation of individuals for His purposes. Today, it continues to affirm divine calling and preparation for ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προχειρίζω, procheirizō, /pro-khei-RI-zō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + khei (as in ‘kind’) + ri (as in ‘read’) + zō (as in ‘zone’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before”
• χείρ (cheir) – noun meaning “hand”
• -ίζω (-izō) – verb-forming suffix
  The combination creates the concept of placing before hand or appointing.

D – Defining Meanings

• To appoint
• To choose beforehand
• To designate for service

For compound words:
The components combine χείρ (hand) with πρό (before) and the verbal suffix -ίζω to express the idea of putting something into someone’s hands beforehand.

Translation Options:

1. “To appoint” – Best captures official designation
2. “To choose beforehand” – Emphasizes divine preparation
3. “To designate” – Highlights purposeful selection

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκλέγω (eklegō, /ek-LE-gō/) – To choose, select
  See G1586
• καθίστημι (kathistēmi, /ka-THIS-tē-mi/) – To appoint, set
  See G2525
• προορίζω (proorizō, /pro-o-RI-zō/) – To predestine
  See G4309

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προχειρίζω 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: προχειρίζω (I appoint)
• Aorist: προεχείρισα (I appointed)
• Perfect: προκεχείρικα (I have appointed)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προχείρισις (procheirisis) – noun form meaning “appointment”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in official appointments. Thayer’s notes its administrative background. LSJ provides examples from government contexts. Vine’s highlights its divine selection aspect. Strong’s emphasizes preparation beforehand. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from official documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And he said, ‘The God of our fathers [προχειρίζω] has appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth.'” Acts 22:14

Additional References:
Acts 26:16
Acts 3:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προχειρίζω powerfully expresses God’s sovereign selection and preparation of individuals for His service. The good news of King Jesus includes His careful appointment and equipping of people for specific roles in His kingdom work.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in Greek administrative appointments
2. It appears in ancient installation ceremonies for officials
3. Early Christian writers used it for ordination to ministry

Strong’s G4400: A compound verb combining πρό (before) with χείρ (hand), meaning to appoint, choose beforehand, or put into hand. Used in contexts of divine appointment and preparation for service, particularly emphasizing God’s sovereign selection for specific tasks.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: appointment, divine selection, calling, preparation, service, ministry, designation, choice, purpose, ordination​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​