Brief Overview of προβαίνω (Strong’s G4260: probainō)

Strong’s G4260: A compound verb meaning “to go forward” or “to advance,” combining πρό (forward) with βαίνω (to walk/go). In New Testament usage, it describes both physical movement and the progression of age or life stages. Often used metaphorically to indicate advancement or progress.

U- Unveiling the Word

προβαίνω carries both literal and metaphorical meanings of advancement. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of physical movement (Matthew 4:21) and to describe advancing age (Luke 1:7, Luke 2:36). Early church writers expanded its usage to discuss spiritual progress and the advancement of God’s purposes. Today, it continues to illustrate both physical and spiritual progression in Christian life.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προβαίνω, probainō, pro-BAY-no
• Detailed Pronunciation: pro (as in ‘protein’) + BAY (stressed) + no (as in ‘know’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: πρό- (pro-) meaning “forward”
• Root: βαίνω (bainō) meaning “to walk/go”
• The combination creates “to go forward”

D – Defining Meanings

• To go forward
• To advance
• To progress
• To advance in age

For compound words:
πρό- adds directional force to βαίνω’s meaning of movement, creating the concept of forward progress.

Translation Options:

1. To advance – Best captures both literal and figurative usage
2. To go forward – More literal translation
3. To progress – Emphasizes development aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προέρχομαι (proerchomai) [pro-ER-kho-my] – to go before, more specific direction
• προκόπτω (prokoptō) [pro-KOP-to] – to progress, more figurative
• See G4260

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προβαίνω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist)

Examples:

• Present: προβαίνω (I advance)
• Aorist: προέβην (I advanced)
• Perfect Participle: προβεβηκώς (having advanced)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s emphasizes its use for age progression. LSJ documents its broad range of applications. Vine’s highlights its use in describing life stages. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in daily life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And [προβαίνω] going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother.” Matthew 4:21

Additional References:
Luke 1:7, Luke 1:18, Luke 2:36

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

προβαίνω beautifully illustrates both physical and spiritual progression in the Christian life. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus leads us forward in our journey of faith, and that even advancing age can be part of God’s perfect timing, as seen with Zechariah and Elizabeth. This word reminds us that God’s purposes advance steadily, whether in our physical journey or spiritual growth.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in Greek medical texts to describe aging.
2. Early Christian writers used it to describe stages of spiritual growth.
3. It appears in ancient travel documents describing journey progress.

Strong’s G4260: A compound verb meaning “to go forward” or “to advance,” combining πρό (forward) with βαίνω (to walk/go). In New Testament usage, it describes both physical movement and the progression of age or life stages. Often used metaphorically to indicate advancement or progress.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: progress, movement, advancement, aging, journey, growth, development, spiritual progress, life stages, direction, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​