Brief Overview of πρόκειμαι (Strong’s G4295: prokeimai)

Strong’s G4295: A compound verb combining “pro” (before) and “keimai” (to lie/be set), meaning to be set before, to be present, or to be proposed. In biblical contexts, it refers to something set forth as a goal or purpose, often with spiritual significance regarding the Christian life and divine promises.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πρόκειμαι embodies the concept of something being set forth or placed before someone, often with purposeful intent. As a compound word, it combines the spatial aspect of “pro” (before) with “keimai” (to lie/be placed), creating a rich metaphor for goals, purposes, or promises that lie ahead. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from willing readiness for giving (2 Corinthians 8:12) to the race of faith (Hebrews 12:1). The early church understood this term as highlighting both divine purposes and human responsibility in pursuing spiritual goals. Today, it continues to speak to believers about purposeful living and keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal prize set before us.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρόκειμαι, prokeimai, PRO-key-my
• Pronunciation Guide: PRO (as in “pro-fessional”) + key (as in “key”) + my (as in “my”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before, in front of”
• κεῖμαι (keimai) – root verb meaning “to lie, be placed”
• -μαι (-mai) – middle/passive verbal ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To be set before
• To be present or at hand
• To be proposed or purposed

For compound words:
The prefix πρό (pro-) adds the spatial concept of “before,” while κεῖμαι (keimai) provides the sense of being positioned or established, creating the image of something deliberately placed ahead or set forth as a goal.

Translation Options:

• “to be set before” – emphasizes the positional aspect
• “to be proposed” – highlights the purposeful aspect
• “to be presented” – stresses the availability aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παράκειμαι (parakeimai, pa-RA-key-my) – See G3873: emphasizes lying beside rather than before
• ἐπίκειμαι (epikeimai, e-PI-key-my) – See G1945: indicates lying upon or pressing
• κεῖμαι (keimai, KEY-my) – See G2749: simple form meaning to lie

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a deponent verb, πρόκειμαι exhibits:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Passive (with active meaning)
• Mood: Indicative/Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective

The deponent nature means it has passive form but active meaning:

• Present: “it lies before”
• Participle: “lying before”
• Perfect: “has been set before”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s use for goals or purposes set before someone. Thayer’s highlights its use in describing both physical position and metaphorical purposes. LSJ notes its frequent use in classical Greek for public proposals. Vine’s connects it to the Christian’s spiritual race. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting purposeful placement. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri where it indicates official appointments.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
2 Corinthians 8:12: “For if the willingness is present [πρόκειται], it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”

Additional References:
Hebrews 6:18
Hebrews 12:1
Hebrews 12:2
Jude 1:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πρόκειμαι powerfully captures the reality of divine purpose and human response in the Christian life. This word proclaims the good news by showing that God has set before us both the race to run and the prize to obtain. It reminds us that in Christ, we have a clear purpose and goal, with the joy set before us just as Jesus had the joy set before Him in accomplishing our salvation.

D – Did You Know?

• Πρόκειμαι was commonly used in athletic contexts for prizes set before competitors
• The word appears significantly in Hebrews in relation to Christian perseverance
• It was used in legal contexts for matters set before courts for judgment

Strong’s G4295: A compound verb meaning to be set before or lie ahead, used both literally and metaphorically. In the New Testament, it particularly refers to spiritual goals, divine purposes, and the race of faith set before believers, emphasizing both divine initiative and human response.

Part of speech: Verb (Deponent)

Tags: purpose, goal, race, perseverance, promise, presence, hebrews, christian-life, spiritual-journey, divine-purpose, faith, endurance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​