Brief Overview of πρίν (Strong’s G4250: prin)

Strong’s G4250: A temporal adverb and conjunction meaning “before” or “formerly,” used to mark sequence of events or prior conditions. In New Testament usage, it often introduces significant temporal transitions, particularly in narratives about divine intervention and prophetic fulfillment.

U- Unveiling the Word

πρίν serves as a crucial temporal marker in Greek, indicating sequence and prior conditions. In the New Testament, it appears in theologically significant contexts, often marking divine timing and prophetic fulfillment. Its first appearance in Matthew 1:18 helps establish the miraculous nature of Jesus’s conception. Early church writers used πρίν extensively when discussing the pre-existence of Christ and God’s predetermined plan of salvation. Today, this word continues to highlight the precise timing of God’s interventions and the fulfillment of His promises.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρίν, prin, preen
• Detailed Pronunciation: preen (as in ‘green’)
• Part of Speech: Adverb and Conjunction

Etymology:

• Root: πρ- (pr-) related to “before”
• Suffix: -ιν (-in) forms adverbial ending
• The combination creates a temporal marker

D – Defining Meanings

• Before
• Formerly
• Previously
• Until

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but functions both as adverb and conjunction.

Translation Options:

1. Before – Best captures temporal sequence
2. Previously – Emphasizes completed past action
3. Until – Appropriate for certain constructions

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πρό (pro) [pro] – before, more general preposition
• προτοῦ (protou) [pro-TOO] – before that time
• See G4250

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb/conjunction:

• Indeclinable
• Often used with:
• Infinitive constructions
• Subjunctive mood in temporal clauses
• Indicative mood for past events

πρίν can function as:

• Simple adverb: “formerly”
• Conjunction introducing temporal clauses
• Part of compound constructions: πρὶν ἤ (before that)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its role in temporal clauses. Thayer’s notes its varied syntactical uses. LSJ documents its development from Homer onward. Vine’s highlights its importance in narrative sequence. Moulton and Milligan show its common use in everyday Koine Greek.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, [πρίν] before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:18

Additional References:
Mark 14:30, Luke 2:26, John 4:49, Acts 2:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πρίν highlights God’s perfect timing in salvation history. It proclaims the good news by showing how King Jesus’s coming fulfilled divine promises at exactly the right moment. This word reminds us that God works according to His perfect schedule, neither too early nor too late, but precisely when He has determined.

D – Did You Know?

1. πρίν appears in some of the most significant prophetic passages in the Septuagint.
2. Early Christian writers used it extensively when discussing Christ’s pre-existence.
3. The word plays a key role in several important New Testament prophecies.

Strong’s G4250: A temporal adverb and conjunction meaning “before” or “formerly,” used to mark sequence of events or prior conditions. In New Testament usage, it often introduces significant temporal transitions, particularly in narratives about divine intervention and prophetic fulfillment.

Part of speech: Adverb and Conjunction

Tags: time, sequence, before, prophecy, fulfillment, divine timing, narrative, temporal markers, grammar, syntax, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​