Brief Overview of προδίδωμι (Strong’s G4272: prodidōmi)

Strong’s G4272: A compound verb combining the preposition pro (before) with didōmi (to give), meaning to give before or first, to pay in advance. In biblical usage, it carries the sense of giving beforehand or being the first to give, emphasizing divine initiative in giving.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προδίδωμι represents a profound theological concept of divine preemptive giving. As a compound word, it combines the preposition προ (before, in front of) with δίδωμι (to give), creating a rich theological meaning of God’s initiative in giving before any human response. In Romans 11:35, Paul uses this word to emphasize that no one has ever given to God first – all giving originates from Him. This concept deeply resonated with early church fathers who saw it as a powerful testament to God’s prevenient grace. The theological significance remains relevant today as it underscores God’s character as the initiator of all good gifts and His sovereign grace in salvation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προδίδωμι, prodidōmi, /pro’didomi/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in “professional”) + di (as in “deed”) + do (as in “doe”) + mi (as in “me”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• προ- (pro-): prefix meaning “before” or “in front of”
• δίδωμι (didōmi): root verb meaning “to give”
• -μι (-mi): primary verb ending indicating present tense

D – Defining Meanings

• To give beforehand
• To give first
• To pay in advance
• To deliver forward

For compound words:
The prefix προ- (pro-) adds the temporal aspect of “before” or “in advance” to the root verb δίδωμι (to give), creating the meaning of giving before something else occurs or giving first.

Translation Options:

• “give beforehand” – captures the temporal aspect most precisely
• “give first” – emphasizes the initiatory nature of the action
• “pay in advance” – useful in financial contexts while maintaining the temporal element

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi) /para’didomi/ – to hand over or deliver, differs in having παρα- instead of προ-, changing the emphasis from temporal to spatial
• ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi) /apo’didomi/ – to give back or return, emphasizes returning rather than initiating
• μεταδίδωμι (metadidōmi) /meta’didomi/ – to share or impart, focuses on transfer rather than timing

See G4272

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a -μι verb, προδίδωμι follows these morphological patterns:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Optative, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist), Stative (Perfect)

The verb would transform in English as:

• I give beforehand
• You give beforehand
• He/She/It gives beforehand
• We give beforehand
• You (plural) give beforehand
• They give beforehand

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines προδίδωμι primarily as “to give beforehand” with emphasis on divine initiative. Thayer’s adds the nuance of “paying in advance.” LSJ provides classical usage examples emphasizing preliminary giving. Vine’s connects it to God’s prevenient grace. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word. LEH notes its use in the Septuagint for divine provision. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in financial transactions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Or who has first given [προδίδωμι] to him, that it might be paid back to him again? Romans 11:35

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 9:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προδίδωμι beautifully captures the essence of God’s preemptive grace in giving. It reminds us that in the economy of God’s kingdom, He always gives first. This truth proclaims the good news that our relationship with God isn’t based on our initiative but on His sovereign grace. Just as Paul uses this word to emphasize that no one has ever given to God first, it testifies to the truth that our salvation, our faith, and our very ability to respond to God are all gifts that He has given beforehand.

D – Did You Know?

1. Προδίδωμι was commonly used in ancient business contracts to indicate advance payments.
2. The word appears in ancient Greek marriage contracts where the bride’s dowry was given in advance.
3. Early church fathers used this word to explain God’s prevenient grace in salvation.

Strong’s G4272: A compound verb combining the preposition pro (before) with didōmi (to give), meaning to give before or first, to pay in advance. In biblical usage, it carries the sense of giving beforehand or being the first to give, emphasizing divine initiative in giving.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: giving, prevenient grace, divine initiative, payment, advance, first giving, compound verb, -μι verb, grace, sovereignty​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​