Brief Overview of προκόπτω (Strong’s G4298: prokoptō)

Strong’s G4298: A compound verb combining “pro” (forward) and “koptō” (to cut), literally meaning “to cut forward,” metaphorically signifying advancement or progress. Most notably used to describe Jesus’s development in wisdom and stature, and in contexts of spiritual and personal growth in the New Testament.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προκόπτω carries the vivid imagery of clearing a path forward by cutting away obstacles. Its use in Luke 2:52 to describe Jesus’s development is particularly significant, showing that even the incarnate Son experienced genuine human growth and progress. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of both personal development and the advancement of negative situations (as in 2 Timothy 3:13). The early church saw this term as affirming both Christ’s true humanity and the reality of Christian growth. Today, it encourages believers that genuine spiritual and personal development is part of God’s design for human life.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προκόπτω, prokoptō, pro-KOP-tō
• Pronunciation Guide: pro (as in “pro-fessional”) + KOP (as in “cop”) + tō (as in “toe”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “forward”
• κόπτω (koptō) – root verb meaning “to cut”
• -ω (-ō) – verbal suffix indicating first person singular present active

D – Defining Meanings

• To advance or make progress
• To move forward by removing obstacles
• To increase or improve

For compound words:
The prefix πρό (pro-) adds the directional sense of “forward,” while κόπτω (koptō) contributes the idea of cutting or clearing, creating the metaphor of advancement through obstacle removal.

Translation Options:

• “to advance” – emphasizes forward movement
• “to progress” – highlights developmental aspect
• “to increase” – stresses the growth element

E – Exploring Similar Words

• αὐξάνω (auxanō, ow-KSAN-ō) – See G837: emphasizes natural growth rather than progress through effort
• προβαίνω (probainō, pro-BY-nō) – See G4260: focuses on moving forward physically
• προχωρέω (prochōreō, pro-kho-REH-ō) – See G4298: emphasizes spatial advancement

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προκόπτω exhibits:

• Tense: Imperfect/Present/Future
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive/Linear

Examples of morphological changes:

• Present: “I advance”
• Imperfect: “I was advancing”
• Future: “I will advance”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s development from literal pioneering to metaphorical progress. Thayer’s highlights its use in both positive and negative contexts. LSJ notes its frequent use in Hellenistic Greek for advancement in various fields. Vine’s connects it particularly to Jesus’s development. Strong’s emphasizes the forward movement implied in the compound structure. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri showing its use in educational and professional contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Luke 2:52: “And Jesus increased [προέκοπτεν] in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

Additional References:
Romans 13:12
Galatians 1:14
2 Timothy 2:16
2 Timothy 3:9
2 Timothy 3:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προκόπτω beautifully captures the reality of genuine human development, sanctified by Christ’s own experience of growth. This word proclaims the good news by showing that Jesus fully entered into human experience, including the process of development, thereby sanctifying our own journey of growth. It reminds us that progress in wisdom, stature, and favor with God is part of God’s design for human flourishing.

D – Did You Know?

• Προκόπτω is used to describe Jesus’s human development, affirming His true humanity
• The word can describe both positive and negative advancement
• It became an important term in early Christian discussions about Christ’s human nature

Strong’s G4298: A compound verb meaning “to cut forward,” metaphorically signifying advancement or progress. Used notably of Jesus’s human development and in broader contexts of both positive spiritual growth and negative progression in error.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: progress, growth, development, advancement, jesus-humanity, wisdom, spiritual-growth, luke, timothy, human-development, sanctification, maturity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​