Brief Overview of προλαμβάνω (Strong’s G4301: prolambanō)
Strong’s G4301: A compound verb combining “pro” (before) and “lambanō” (to take/receive), meaning to take beforehand or anticipate. In biblical contexts, it carries various nuances including anticipatory action, being overtaken by sin, and taking precedence in meals.
U- Unveiling the Word
Προλαμβάνω embodies the concept of anticipatory action, whether positive or negative. As a compound word, it unites the temporal aspect of “before” with the active taking or receiving. In the New Testament, it appears in diverse contexts: the woman anointing Jesus beforehand (Mark 14:8), being caught in transgression (Galatians 6:1), and taking meals separately (1 Corinthians 11:21). The early church understood this term as highlighting both preparation for future events and the need for spiritual vigilance. Today, it continues to teach us about foresight in spiritual matters and gentle restoration of those who fall.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: προλαμβάνω, prolambanō, pro-lam-BA-nō
- Pronunciation Guide: pro (as in “pro-fessional”) + lam (as in “lamb”) + BA (as in “bah”) + nō (as in “no”)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before”
- λαμβάνω (lambanō) – root verb meaning “to take, receive”
- -ω (-ō) – verbal suffix indicating first person singular present active
D – Defining Meanings
- To take beforehand
- To anticipate
- To be overtaken (in a fault)
For compound words:
The prefix πρό (pro-) adds the temporal aspect of “beforehand,” while λαμβάνω (lambanō) provides the basic meaning of taking or receiving, creating various nuances of anticipatory action.
Translation Options:
- “to take beforehand” – emphasizes the anticipatory aspect
- “to be overtaken” – highlights the surprise element
- “to anticipate” – stresses the preparatory nature
E – Exploring Similar Words
- λαμβάνω (lambanō, lam-BA-nō) – See G2983: basic form meaning “to take”
- καταλαμβάνω (katalambanō, ka-ta-lam-BA-nō) – See G2638: emphasizes seizing or overtaking
- παραλαμβάνω (paralambanō, pa-ra-lam-BA-nō) – See G3880: emphasizes receiving or taking along
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a verb, προλαμβάνω exhibits:
- Tense: Aorist/Present
- Voice: Active/Passive
- Mood: Subjunctive/Indicative
- Person: Third
- Number: Singular/Plural
- Aspect: Punctiliar/Linear
Examples of morphological changes:
- Present: “I take beforehand”
- Aorist: “I took beforehand”
- Perfect: “I have taken beforehand”
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes the word’s varied contextual meanings. Thayer’s highlights both its positive and negative uses. LSJ notes its use in classical Greek for anticipatory actions. Vine’s connects it to preparatory actions and moral failures. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting prior action. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri showing various temporal uses.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First Appearance:
Mark 14:8: “She has done what she could; she has anointed [προέλαβεν] my body beforehand for burial.”
Additional References:
1 Corinthians 11:21
Galatians 6:1
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Herodotus: Histories | “They anticipated [προλαβόντες] the enemy’s movement” |
| Thucydides: History | “The general took precautions [προλαβὼν] before the battle” |
| Xenophon: Anabasis | “They seized [προέλαβον] the heights before the others arrived” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Προλαμβάνω beautifully captures both divine providence and human vulnerability. This word proclaims the good news by showing how God’s people can act with spiritual foresight (like the woman anointing Jesus) while also needing gentle restoration when overtaken by sin. It reminds us that Christ’s work both anticipates our needs and restores us when we fall.
D – Did You Know?
- The word appears in three distinct contexts in the New Testament: preparation for burial, moral failure, and social meals
- It was commonly used in military contexts for anticipatory actions
- Early church fathers used it to discuss both preparation for martyrdom and pastoral care
Strong’s G4301: A compound verb meaning to take beforehand or anticipate, used in various contexts including preparation for future events, being overtaken in sin, and taking precedence. Demonstrates both positive anticipatory action and the need for spiritual vigilance.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: anticipation, preparation, restoration, sin, meals, mark, corinthians, galatians, foresight, spiritual-care, pastoral-ministry, community
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
