Brief Overview of πρῶτος (Strong’s G4413: protos)

Strong’s G4413: An adjective meaning “first” in time, place, order, or importance. Derived from πρό (before). Used to indicate primacy, priority, and preeminence in both temporal and rank-based contexts. Carries significant theological weight in discussions of Christ’s supremacy and divine priorities.

U- Unveiling the Word

πρῶτος embodies the concept of primacy and preeminence in multiple dimensions – temporal, spatial, and hierarchical. In the New Testament, it plays a crucial role in expressing both chronological priority and supreme importance, particularly in Christological contexts. The word appears in significant theological statements about Christ’s preeminence, the ordering of spiritual priorities, and the structure of early church leadership. Early church fathers frequently employed πρῶτος in discussions of Christ’s supremacy, apostolic authority, and the proper ordering of church life. Today, it continues to express fundamental truths about Christ’s preeminence and helps establish proper priorities in Christian life and ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρῶτος, protos, /pro-tos/
• Detailed pronunciation: PROH-toss (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πρό (pro) – “before”
• Suffix: -τος (-tos) – superlative ending
• Superlative form of πρό, indicating absolute firstness

D – Defining Meanings

• First in time or sequence
• First in rank or importance
• Foremost, chief, principal
• Before others in position or influence

For compound words: Not a compound word, but serves as the root for many compound words

Translation Options:

• “First” – Most versatile translation, suitable for both temporal and rank contexts
• “Chief” – Best when emphasizing importance or rank
• “Foremost” – Useful when indicating both priority and prominence

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πρότερος (proteros) /pro-ter-os/ – “former, earlier” – See G4387
• πρωτεύω (proteuō) /pro-tew-oh/ – “to be first” – See G4409
• πρωτότοκος (prōtotokos) /pro-to-tok-os/ – “firstborn” – See G4416

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, πρῶτος exhibits:

• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter forms
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Declension: First/Second

Examples of morphological changes:

• Masculine: πρῶτος (nominative singular)
• Feminine: πρώτη
• Neuter: πρῶτον
• Plural forms follow regular patterns

Cross-references:

• Adverbial form: πρῶτον
• Verbal form: πρωτεύω

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both temporal and rank-based uses, noting its special significance in Christological contexts. Thayer’s details its range of meanings from temporal sequence to preeminence. LSJ documents its extensive use in classical literature for expressing primacy. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in expressing Christ’s supremacy. Strong’s connects it etymologically to πρό. Moulton and Milligan note its frequent use in administrative and legal contexts. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint for expressing both temporal priority and rank.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 10:2 “Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first [πρῶτος], Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother.”

Additional References:
Matthew 19:30, Mark 9:35, Luke 2:2, John 1:41, Acts 1:1, Romans 10:19, 1 Timothy 1:15, Revelation 1:17, Revelation 22:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πρῶτος powerfully expresses Christ’s absolute supremacy and preeminence in all things. From its use in describing Jesus as “the first and the last” to its role in establishing proper priorities in Christian life, this word reminds us that Christ must have first place in everything. It proclaims the gospel truth that Jesus is not merely first among equals but is supremely preeminent as Lord of all creation.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word forms the basis for numerous English terms including “prototype” and “protocol.”
2. Early Christian inscriptions often used πρῶτος in titles for church leaders, though this practice was later criticized.
3. The word appears in significant Christological titles throughout Revelation, emphasizing Christ’s supremacy.

Strong’s G4413: An adjective meaning “first” in time, place, order, or importance. Derived from πρό (before). Used to indicate primacy, priority, and preeminence in both temporal and rank-based contexts. Carries significant theological weight in discussions of Christ’s supremacy and divine priorities.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: first, primacy, preeminence, priority, rank, order, Christ’s supremacy, leadership, sequence, importance, divine order, hierarchy