Brief Overview of προακούω (Strong’s G4257: proakouō)
Strong’s G4257: A compound verb meaning “to hear before” or “to hear previously,” combining πρό (before) with ἀκούω (to hear). In New Testament usage, it specifically refers to prior exposure to gospel truth, emphasizing the foundational role of hearing God’s word in the development of faith.
U- Unveiling the Word
προακούω combines the concept of prior hearing with spiritual understanding. In its sole New Testament appearance in Colossians 1:5, it describes the Colossians’ initial exposure to gospel truth. This term emphasizes the importance of first hearing as foundational to faith development. Early church writers used this word to discuss the role of preaching and teaching in faith formation. Today, it continues to highlight the crucial role of hearing God’s word as the beginning of spiritual understanding.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: προακούω, proakouō, pro-ah-KOO-o
- Detailed Pronunciation: pro (as in ‘protein’) + ah + KOO (stressed) + o (as in ‘go’)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- Prefix: πρό- (pro-) meaning “before”
- Root: ἀκούω (akouō) meaning “to hear”
- The combination creates “to hear beforehand”
D – Defining Meanings
- To hear previously
- To hear before
- To learn earlier
- To receive prior instruction
For compound words:
πρό- adds temporal priority to ἀκούω’s meaning of hearing, emphasizing prior exposure to information.
Translation Options:
- To hear beforehand – Emphasizes temporal sequence
- To learn previously – Focuses on prior knowledge
- To receive earlier – Captures initial exposure
E – Exploring Similar Words
- ἀκούω (akouō) [ah-KOO-o] – to hear, more general hearing
- προγινώσκω (proginōskō) [pro-gi-NO-sko] – to know beforehand
- See G4257
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a verb, προακούω exhibits:
- Tense: Aorist
- Voice: Active
- Mood: Indicative
- Person: Second
- Number: Plural
- Aspect: Punctiliar (completed action)
Examples:
- Aorist: προηκούσατε (you heard before)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its role in prior gospel exposure. Thayer’s notes its temporal significance. LSJ documents its use in educational contexts. Vine’s highlights its importance in faith development. Moulton and Milligan show its use in describing prior instruction.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have [προακούω] heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel.” Colossians 1:5
Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of προακούω in the New Testament.
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Herodotus: Histories | “They [προακούω] had heard beforehand of the Persian advance.” |
| Thucydides: History | “The generals [προακούω] received prior intelligence of the enemy’s plans.” |
| Xenophon: Anabasis | “The soldiers [προακούω] learned earlier about the difficult terrain ahead.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
προακούω reminds us that faith begins with hearing God’s word. It proclaims the good news by emphasizing that King Jesus makes Himself known through the proclaimed word. This word encourages us that spiritual growth begins with exposure to truth, and that prior hearing of the gospel lays the foundation for deepening faith.
D – Did You Know?
- The word was used in ancient educational settings for preliminary instruction.
- Early Christian catechesis emphasized this concept of prior hearing.
- The term influenced development of preparatory teaching in church history.
Strong’s G4257: A compound verb meaning “to hear before” or “to hear previously,” combining πρό (before) with ἀκούω (to hear). In New Testament usage, it specifically refers to prior exposure to gospel truth, emphasizing the foundational role of hearing God’s word in the development of faith.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: hearing, instruction, gospel exposure, faith development, teaching, preaching, prior knowledge, spiritual formation, evangelism, discipleship, biblical keywords
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
