Brief Overview of πρόθεσις (Strong’s G4286: prothesis)

Strong’s G4286: From pro (before) and tithēmi (to place), πρόθεσις refers to a setting forth or purposing. In biblical usage, it has dual significance: literally referring to the showbread in the Temple, and figuratively describing God’s sovereign purpose or human resolve.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πρόθεσις carries both literal and metaphorical meanings in Scripture. As a compound word combining προ (before) with τίθημι (to place/set), it initially referred to the “setting forth” of the bread in the Temple (Matthew 12:4). However, it developed rich theological significance in describing God’s eternal purposes and human determination. Early church fathers extensively used this term to discuss divine predestination and human responsibility. Today, it continues to bridge the concepts of divine purpose and human intention, reminding us that our plans should align with God’s sovereign purposes.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρόθεσις, prothesis, /pro’the-sis/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in “professional”) + the (as in “they”) + sis (as in “sister”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• προ- (pro-): prefix meaning “before”
• τίθημι (tithēmi): root verb meaning “to place” or “to set”
• -σις (-sis): suffix forming abstract nouns of action

D – Defining Meanings

• Setting forth (of bread)
• Purpose
• Predetermined plan
• Resolution
• Intention

For compound words:
The prefix προ- adds the temporal/spatial concept of “before” to the root verb τίθημι (to place), while the -σις suffix creates an abstract noun describing the action or state of setting something forth or determining beforehand.

Translation Options:

• “purpose” – emphasizes intentionality
• “predetermined plan” – highlights the advance nature of the decision
• “setting forth” – captures the literal meaning regarding the showbread

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προαίρεσις (proairesis) /pro-ai’re-sis/ – deliberate choice or preference
• βουλή (boulē) /bou-lē’/ – counsel or purpose, emphasizing deliberation
• θέσις (thesis) /the’sis/ – position or placement, without the “pro” aspect

See G4286

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun of the third declension, πρόθεσις follows these patterns:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

Examples of case usage:

• Nominative (subject): the purpose
• Genitive (possession): of the purpose
• Dative (indirect object): to/for the purpose
• Accusative (direct object): the purpose

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes both its cultic use for showbread and theological use for divine purpose. Thayer’s emphasizes its development from concrete to abstract meaning. LSJ documents its classical use for public displays and intentions. Vine’s connects it to divine foreordination. Strong’s highlights its compound nature. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint for the showbread. Moulton and Milligan provide examples from legal documents showing planned actions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

How he entered the house of God and ate the [πρόθεσις] showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Matthew 12:4

Additional References:
Acts 11:23
Romans 8:28
Ephesians 1:11
2 Timothy 3:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πρόθεσις beautifully captures both divine and human purpose, showing how our intentions can align with God’s eternal plan. It proclaims the good news that God’s purposes in Christ were set forth before time began, and that He works all things according to the counsel of His will. This encourages us that our lives have meaning within God’s grand purpose of redemption.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was used in ancient temple contexts beyond Judaism for offerings set before deities.
2. Early Christian theologians used it extensively in debates about predestination.
3. The word evolved from describing physical placement to abstract purpose in Greek thought.

Strong’s G4286: From pro (before) and tithēmi (to place), πρόθεσις refers to a setting forth or purposing. In biblical usage, it has dual significance: literally referring to the showbread in the Temple, and figuratively describing God’s sovereign purpose or human resolve.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: purpose, intention, showbread, divine plan, predestination, compound noun, Temple worship, sovereignty, determination, resolution​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​