Introduction

In biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words used in the New Testament is essential for accurate interpretation and deeper insight into the text. The word ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen) is one such term that holds significant importance due to its frequent use in various contexts. This preposition/adverb, which generally means “before” or “in front of,” is pivotal for understanding spatial and temporal relationships in the Scriptures. Its usage extends beyond mere physical positioning to encompass ideas of priority, importance, and reverence. This overview will explore the meanings, usage, and significance of ἔμπροσθεν in both biblical and classical Greek contexts.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen) [EM-pros-then]
• Etymology: Derived from the combination of the preposition ἐν (en, meaning “in”) and the noun πρόσωπον (prosōpon, meaning “face” or “presence”), signifying a position or orientation relative to something else.
• Part of Speech: Adverb or preposition, used to indicate spatial, temporal, or metaphorical “before” or “in front of.”
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Before/In Front of (Spatial): ἔμπροσθεν is often used to describe physical placement, indicating that something is situated in front of or before something else.
• Before/In the Presence of (Metaphorical): It can also imply being in the presence of someone, often used in reverential contexts to describe standing before a figure of authority or divinity.
• Earlier/Previously (Temporal): In some contexts, ἔμπροσθεν can refer to something that happened earlier or previously, emphasizing temporal precedence.

Similar Words:

• πρό (pro) [PROH]: Another Greek preposition meaning “before” in both spatial and temporal senses. While πρό is more commonly used for temporal precedence, ἔμπροσθεν often emphasizes a spatial relationship.
• ἔναντι (enantion) [eh-NAN-tee-on]: Meaning “in the sight of” or “before,” this word is similar in function to ἔμπροσθεν but is often used in more formal or legal contexts.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As an adverb and preposition, ἔμπροσθεν does not inflect for case, gender, or number, making its meaning largely dependent on the context in which it is used.
• Linguistic Features: The compound nature of the word, combining “in” (ἐν) with “face” (πρόσωπον), highlights its primary function of describing orientation relative to something else, either physically or metaphorically.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon notes that ἔμπροσθεν primarily denotes spatial orientation, often used in contexts involving physical placement or presence. The lexicon also highlights its metaphorical usage in describing reverence or submission before an authority.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the dual spatial and temporal meanings of ἔμπροσθεν, noting its frequent occurrence in the New Testament to describe both physical proximity and figurative positions of honor or authority.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἔμπροσθεν in the context of its metaphorical applications, particularly in relation to standing before God or in judgment scenes, where the term underscores a position of reverence or accountability.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces the usage of ἔμπροσθεν in classical Greek literature, where it appears in both physical and metaphorical senses. It often conveys the idea of facing something directly, whether in confrontation, respect, or examination.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies ἔμπροσθεν as a word indicating location or time, often used to describe something being in front of or before another entity, whether in physical space or chronological order.

Scripture References

• Matthew 5:24: “Leave your gift there before (ἔμπροσθεν) the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
• Luke 1:76: “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before (ἔμπροσθεν) the Lord to prepare his ways.”
• Revelation 4:6: “And before (ἔμπροσθεν) the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔμπροσθεν (G1715: emprosthen)

The Greek word ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen) is a versatile term primarily used to denote spatial or temporal precedence, meaning “before” or “in front of.” In biblical contexts, it is often used to describe a physical position, such as standing before an altar, or a metaphorical one, such as being in the presence of God. Its usage extends to classical Greek literature, where it conveys a similar sense of orientation or priority. Understanding this word is crucial for interpreting passages where spatial or temporal relationships are key to the text’s meaning.

Did You Know?

The word ἔμπροσθεν is not only used in the New Testament but also appears frequently in classical Greek literature, where it is often used in military contexts to describe soldiers standing “in front of” their leaders or enemies, highlighting its connotations of authority and confrontation.