Brief Overview of προβλέπω (Strong’s G4265: problepō)

Strong’s G4265: A compound verb meaning “to foresee” or “to provide,” combining πρό (before) with βλέπω (to see). In its New Testament occurrence in Hebrews 11:40, it expresses God’s providential foresight in planning something better for His people across redemptive history.

U- Unveiling the Word

προβλέπω combines divine foresight with providential provision. In its sole New Testament appearance in Hebrews 11:40, it describes God’s advance planning for all believers, connecting Old Testament saints with New Testament fulfillment. Early church writers developed this concept to discuss divine providence and the unity of God’s redemptive plan. Today, this word continues to illustrate God’s sovereign foresight in salvation history.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προβλέπω, problepō, pro-BLEP-o
• Detailed Pronunciation: pro (as in ‘protein’) + BLEP (stressed) + o (as in ‘go’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: πρό- (pro-) meaning “before”
• Root: βλέπω (blepō) meaning “to see”
• The combination creates “to see beforehand/provide”

D – Defining Meanings

• To foresee
• To provide
• To plan ahead
• To make advance provision

For compound words:
πρό- adds temporal priority to βλέπω’s visual meaning, creating the concept of seeing ahead and making provision.

Translation Options:

1. To provide – Emphasizes providential aspect
2. To foresee – Highlights foreknowledge
3. To plan ahead – Captures intentional preparation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προνοέω (pronoeō) [pro-no-EH-o] – to provide for, more practical
• προοράω (prooraō) [pro-or-AH-o] – to see beforehand, more visionary
• See G4265

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προβλέπω shows:

• Tense: Middle
• Voice: Middle/Passive Deponent
• Mood: Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Continuous

Examples:

• Middle Participle: προβλεψάμενος (having foreseen/provided)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its providential aspects. Thayer’s notes its connection to divine planning. LSJ documents its use in contexts of forethought. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in Hebrews. Moulton and Milligan show its use in legal provisions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Since God had [προβλέπω] provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:40

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

προβλέπω reveals God’s sovereign planning in salvation history. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus’s coming wasn’t an afterthought but part of God’s eternal provision for His people. This word assures us that God sees the end from the beginning and provides perfectly for His people’s ultimate good.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient architectural planning documents.
2. Early Christian writers used it to discuss God’s eternal decree.
3. It influenced theological vocabulary about divine providence.

Strong’s G4265: A compound verb meaning “to foresee” or “to provide,” combining πρό (before) with βλέπω (to see). In its New Testament occurrence in Hebrews 11:40, it expresses God’s providential foresight in planning something better for His people across redemptive history.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: providence, foresight, divine planning, salvation history, Hebrews, God’s provision, redemptive history, divine purpose, foreknowledge, sovereignty, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​