Brief Overview of προγράφω (Strong’s G4270: prographō)

Strong’s G4270: A compound verb meaning “to write before/previously,” combining πρό (before) with γράφω (to write). In New Testament usage, it refers to both previously written scripture and public proclamation, emphasizing divine purpose in written revelation and proclamation of truth.

U- Unveiling the Word

προγράφω represents both temporal precedence in writing and public proclamation. In Romans 15:4, it refers to Scripture written beforehand for instruction. Early church writers used this term to discuss both the authority of prior Scripture and the public nature of Gospel proclamation. Today, this word continues to inform our understanding of Scripture’s enduring purpose and the public nature of Christian truth.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προγράφω, prographō, pro-GRAPH-o
• Detailed Pronunciation: pro (as in ‘protein’) + GRAPH (as in ‘graphic’) + o (as in ‘go’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Prefix: πρό- (pro-) meaning “before”
• Root: γράφω (graphō) meaning “to write”
• The combination means “to write beforehand/publicly”

D – Defining Meanings

• To write beforehand
• To proclaim publicly
• To portray openly
• To designate previously

For compound words:
πρό- adds both temporal priority and spatial prominence to γράφω’s meaning of writing.

Translation Options:

1. To write beforehand – Emphasizes temporal aspect
2. To publicly display – Emphasizes proclamation aspect
3. To set forth openly – Combines both aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προλέγω (prolegō) [pro-LEG-o] – to tell beforehand, spoken rather than written
• ἀναγράφω (anagraphō) [an-a-GRAPH-o] – to write up/record
• See G4270

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προγράφω shows:

• Tense: Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Passive, Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar (Aorist), Complete (Perfect)

Examples:

• Aorist Passive: προεγράφη (was written before)
• Perfect: προγέγραπται (has been written before)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes both temporal and public display meanings. Thayer’s emphasizes its use regarding Scripture. LSJ documents its use in public notices. Vine’s highlights its connection to divine purpose. Moulton and Milligan cite its use in legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For whatever was [προγράφω] written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

Additional References:
Galatians 3:1, Ephesians 3:3, Jude 1:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

προγράφω reveals both God’s foresight in providing Scripture and His intention for truth to be publicly proclaimed. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus’s coming was documented in advance and that His truth is meant to be openly displayed. This word reminds us that God’s Word was written for our instruction and that Gospel truth should be boldly proclaimed.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient cities used this term for public legal notices.
2. Early Christians used it to describe prophecy fulfillment.
3. It influenced development of terms about biblical inspiration.

Strong’s G4270: A compound verb meaning “to write before/previously,” combining πρό (before) with γράφω (to write). In New Testament usage, it refers to both previously written scripture and public proclamation, emphasizing divine purpose in written revelation and proclamation of truth.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: scripture, writing, prophecy, proclamation, public display, divine purpose, instruction, revelation, biblical authority, inspiration, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​