Brief Overview of προαιτιάομαι (Strong’s G4256: proaitiaomai)

Strong’s G4256: A compound verb meaning “to bring a prior charge” or “to prove beforehand to be guilty,” combining πρό (before) with αἰτιάομαι (to accuse). Used uniquely in Romans 3:9 to establish universal human guilt before God’s righteous judgment.

U- Unveiling the Word

προαιτιάομαι represents a legal concept of establishing prior guilt or bringing charges in advance. In its sole New Testament appearance in Romans 3:9, Paul uses it to summarize his previous arguments about universal human sinfulness. This technical legal term powerfully conveys the comprehensive nature of human guilt before God. Early church writers used this word when discussing human depravity and the universal need for salvation. Today, it continues to emphasize the theological truth of universal human sinfulness and our need for redemption.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προαιτιάομαι, proaitiaomai, pro-ai-tee-AH-oh-my
• Detailed Pronunciation: pro (as in ‘protein’) + ai (as in ‘eye’) + tee + AH (stressed) + oh + my
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: πρό- (pro-) meaning “before”
• Root: αἰτιάομαι (aitiaomai) meaning “to accuse/charge”
• The combination creates “to charge beforehand”

D – Defining Meanings

• To bring a prior charge
• To prove guilty beforehand
• To establish previous guilt
• To make a preliminary accusation

For compound words:
πρό- adds the temporal aspect of “beforehand” to αἰτιάομαι’s legal meaning of bringing charges, creating a concept of establishing prior guilt.

Translation Options:

1. To charge beforehand – Emphasizes temporal aspect
2. To prove previously guilty – Highlights established guilt
3. To make prior accusation – More literal translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κατηγορέω (katēgoreō) [kat-ay-gor-EH-o] – to accuse, more general
• καταγινώσκω (kataginōskō) [kat-ag-in-OS-ko] – to condemn, stronger judgment
• See G4256

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προαιτιάομαι shows:

• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: First Person
• Number: Plural
• Tense: Perfect
• Aspect: Completed action with continuing results

Example:

• Perfect: προῃτιασάμεθα (we have previously charged)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its legal connotations. Thayer’s notes its use in establishing prior guilt. LSJ documents its technical legal usage. Vine’s highlights its significance in Paul’s argument. Moulton and Milligan cite its rare occurrence in legal papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already [προαιτιάομαι] charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin.” Romans 3:9

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of προαιτιάομαι in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

προαιτιάομαι powerfully establishes the universal need for salvation in Christ. It proclaims the good news by first establishing the bad news: all are guilty before God. This word reminds us that recognizing our guilt is the first step toward embracing the grace and forgiveness offered through King Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient court documents establishing preliminary guilt.
2. Early church fathers used it extensively in discussions of original sin.
3. It influenced theological vocabulary about human depravity.

Strong’s G4256: A compound verb meaning “to bring a prior charge” or “to prove beforehand to be guilty,” combining πρό (before) with αἰτιάομαι (to accuse). Used uniquely in Romans 3:9 to establish universal human guilt before God’s righteous judgment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: accusation, guilt, judgment, legal terms, human sinfulness, Romans, Paul’s theology, universal guilt, salvation need, divine justice, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​