Brief Overview of πρέπω (Strong’s G4241: prepō)

Strong’s G4241: An impersonal verb meaning “it is fitting” or “it is proper.” In New Testament usage, it expresses what is appropriate according to God’s standards and character, particularly in matters of conduct and worship. Reflects both divine appropriateness and ethical fittingness.

U- Unveiling the Word

πρέπω carries the weighty concept of divine appropriateness and moral fittingness. In the New Testament, it appears primarily as an impersonal verb expressing what is proper according to God’s character and standards. When Jesus uses this word in Matthew 3:15 regarding His baptism, He’s indicating not just what is proper but what aligns with God’s redemptive purposes. The early church used πρέπω to discuss appropriate conduct in worship and daily life, emphasizing that Christian behavior should reflect divine character. Today, this word challenges us to consider what is truly fitting for those who bear Christ’s name.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρέπω, prepō, PREP-o
• Detailed Pronunciation: PREP (as in ‘prepare’) + o (as in ‘go’)
• Part of Speech: Verb (primarily used impersonally)

Etymology:

• Root: πρεπ- (prep-) – relating to what is fitting
• Ending: -ω (-ō) – primary verb ending
• Forms an impersonal verb expressing what is suitable or proper

D – Defining Meanings

• To be fitting
• To be proper
• To be appropriate
• To be suitable

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but expresses a complete concept of appropriateness.

Translation Options:

1. It is fitting – Best captures the impersonal nature
2. It is proper – Emphasizes the moral aspect
3. It is suitable – Reflects the contextual appropriateness

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δεῖ (dei) [day] – it is necessary, more emphatic about necessity
• καθήκω (kathēkō) [kath-AY-ko] – it is proper, more focused on duty
• See G4241

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an impersonal verb, πρέπω shows:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third person singular (impersonal)
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Continuous (Present)

Examples:

• Present: πρέπει (it is fitting)
• Imperfect: ἔπρεπε (it was fitting)
• Participle: πρέπον (being fitting)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in expressing what is appropriate according to God’s standards. Thayer’s notes its frequent impersonal usage in ethical contexts. LSJ documents its classical use in discussions of propriety and beauty. Vine’s highlights its connection to what is becoming in Christian conduct. Moulton and Milligan show its common use in papyri for social propriety.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it [πρέπω] is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.'” Matthew 3:15

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 11:13, Ephesians 5:3, 1 Timothy 2:10, Titus 2:1, Hebrews 2:10, Hebrews 7:26

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πρέπω reminds us that the Christian life isn’t just about what is permissible but what is fitting for those who belong to Christ. This word proclaims the good news that King Jesus not only saves us but transforms our understanding of what is truly appropriate, aligning our behavior with divine character. It shows that Christian conduct flows from who we are in Christ rather than mere rule-following.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in ancient Greek architecture to describe buildings that perfectly suited their purpose.
2. Early Christian worship manuals used this term to describe appropriate liturgical conduct.
3. The concept influenced early Christian ethical writings about the “fitting” response to God’s grace.

Strong’s G4241: An impersonal verb meaning “it is fitting” or “it is proper.” In New Testament usage, it expresses what is appropriate according to God’s standards and character, particularly in matters of conduct and worship. Reflects both divine appropriateness and ethical fittingness.

Part of speech: Verb (primarily impersonal)

Tags: fitting, proper, appropriate, conduct, ethics, worship, righteousness, Christian behavior, divine standards, moral conduct, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​