Brief Overview of προέπω (Strong’s G4277: proepō)

Strong’s G4277: From pro (before) and epō (to speak), προέπω means to say before, foretell, or predict. In biblical usage, it particularly relates to divine prophecy and forewarning, emphasizing the authority and certainty of God’s previously spoken word.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προέπω embodies the concept of speaking something before it occurs. As a compound word, it combines προ (before) with ἔπω (to speak), creating a term that carries significant weight in prophetic and predictive contexts. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of divine forewarning and prophetic utterance, particularly regarding the fulfillment of Scripture. Early church fathers employed this term to discuss the relationship between prophecy and fulfillment, emphasizing God’s faithfulness to His word. Today, it continues to underscore the reliability of divine prophecy and the certainty of God’s promises.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προέπω, proepō, /pro-e’pō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in “professional”) + e (as in “egg”) + pō (as in “pose”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• προ- (pro-): prefix meaning “before”
• ἔπω (epō): root verb meaning “to speak”
• -ω (-ō): primary verb ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To say beforehand
• To predict
• To foretell
• To speak prophetically

For compound words:
The prefix προ- adds the temporal aspect of “before” to the root verb ἔπω (to speak), creating the concept of speaking something before it happens or declaring something in advance.

Translation Options:

• “to foretell” – emphasizes the prophetic aspect
• “to predict” – focuses on the future-oriented nature
• “to say beforehand” – most literal translation maintaining temporal emphasis

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προλέγω (prolegō) /pro-le’gō/ – to tell beforehand, emphasizing warning
• προφητεύω (prophēteuō) /pro-phē-teu’ō/ – to prophesy, emphasizing divine inspiration
• προαγγέλλω (proangellō) /pro-an-gel’lō/ – to announce beforehand, emphasizing proclamation

See G4277

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προέπω demonstrates these features:

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

Examples in English:

• I foretell/foretold
• You foretell/foretold
• He/She/It foretells/foretold
• We foretell/foretold
• You (plural) foretell/foretold
• They foretell/foretold

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in prophetic contexts and divine forewarning. Thayer’s notes its connection to authoritative prediction. LSJ provides examples from classical Greek showing its use in official proclamations. Vine’s connects it to divine prophecy. Strong’s highlights its compound nature. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint for prophetic utterances. Moulton and Milligan document its use in legal contexts for prior declarations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit [προέπω] foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. Acts 1:16

Additional References:
Romans 9:29
2 Peter 3:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Herodotus: Histories	The oracle [προέπω] foretold the coming of great changes to the kingdom
Thucydides: Peloponnesian War	The wise men [προέπω] predicted the outcome of the war before it began
Sophocles: Antigone	The seer [προέπω] spoke beforehand of the consequences of defying divine law

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προέπω powerfully demonstrates God’s sovereign control over history through His prophetic word. This term, especially in its biblical usage, proclaims the good news that God’s promises are trustworthy and His prophecies certain. It reminds us that the story of salvation, including Christ’s coming, death, and resurrection, was declared beforehand and fulfilled perfectly, giving us confidence in God’s continued faithfulness to His word.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was used in ancient legal documents to refer to prior declarations that had binding force.
2. Early Christian apologists used προέπω to defend the fulfillment of messianic prophecies in Jesus.
3. The word appears in ancient Greek diplomatic communications for formal predictions or warnings.

Strong’s G4277: From pro (before) and epō (to speak), προέπω means to say before, foretell, or predict. In biblical usage, it particularly relates to divine prophecy and forewarning, emphasizing the authority and certainty of God’s previously spoken word.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: prophecy, prediction, foretelling, divine warning, compound verb, prophetic utterance, fulfillment, Scripture, divine authority, forewarning​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​