Brief Overview of προερέω (Strong’s G4280: proereō)

Strong’s G4280: From pro (before) and ereō (to say, speak), προερέω means to say before or tell beforehand. In biblical usage, it particularly refers to prophetic utterances and divine warnings, emphasizing the authority and certainty of previously spoken words.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προερέω embodies the concept of authoritative prior declaration. As a compound word combining προ (before) with ἐρέω (to say), it carries significant weight in prophetic and warning contexts. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of both divine forewarning (Matthew 24:25) and apostolic instruction. Early church fathers employed this term to emphasize the reliability of prophetic declarations and apostolic teachings. Today, it continues to underscore the importance of heeding divine warnings and the certainty of God’s declared word.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προερέω, proereō, /pro-e-re’ō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in “professional”) + e (as in “egg”) + re (as in “ray”) + ō (as in “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• προ- (pro-): prefix meaning “before”
• ἐρέω (ereō): root verb meaning “to say, speak”
• -ω (-ō): primary verb ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To say beforehand
• To tell in advance
• To forewarn
• To predict verbally

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

Translation Options:

• “to tell beforehand” – emphasizes the temporal aspect
• “to forewarn” – highlights the cautionary aspect
• “to predict” – focuses on the prophetic element

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προλέγω (prolegō) /pro-le’gō/ – to say before, with emphasis on warning
• προφημί (prophēmi) /pro-phē’mi/ – to declare beforehand, more formal
• προαγγέλλω (proangellō) /pro-an-gel’lō/ – to announce beforehand, more official

See G4280

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προερέω shows these patterns:

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

Examples in English:

• I tell beforehand
• You tell beforehand
• He/She/It tells beforehand
• We tell beforehand
• You (plural) tell beforehand
• They tell beforehand

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in prophetic and warning contexts. Thayer’s notes its connection to authoritative declarations. LSJ documents its use in formal pronouncements. Vine’s connects it to divine forewarning. Strong’s highlights its compound nature. LEH discusses its use in the Septuagint for prophetic utterances. Moulton and Milligan provide examples from legal contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

See, I have [προερέω] told you beforehand. Matthew 24:25

Additional References:
Mark 13:23
2 Corinthians 13:2
Galatians 5:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προερέω powerfully demonstrates God’s care in warning and preparing His people. This word proclaims the good news that God doesn’t leave us uninformed but speaks clearly and in advance about both judgment and salvation. Through Christ’s teachings and apostolic warnings, we see God’s loving provision in telling us beforehand what we need to know for faithful living.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was used in ancient Greek courts for formal preliminary declarations.
2. Early Christian writers used it to emphasize the authority of apostolic warnings.
3. The word appears in ancient diplomatic communications for official advance notices.

Strong’s G4280: From pro (before) and ereō (to say, speak), προερέω means to say before or tell beforehand. In biblical usage, it particularly refers to prophetic utterances and divine warnings, emphasizing the authority and certainty of previously spoken words.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: prophecy, warning, prediction, divine declaration, compound verb, forewarning, teaching, authority, apostolic instruction, preparation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​