Brief Overview of προπάσχω (Strong’s G4310: propaschō)

Strong’s G4310: A compound verb combining “pro” (before) and “paschō” (to suffer), meaning to suffer beforehand or previously. In biblical context, it specifically refers to prior persecution or suffering for the gospel, emphasizing the ongoing nature of Christian trials and faithful endurance.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προπάσχω embodies the concept of previous suffering in the context of Christian ministry. As a compound word, it combines prior experience with suffering or persecution. In 1 Thessalonians 2:2, Paul uses this term to reference his earlier persecution in Philippi, establishing a pattern of faithful endurance through trials. The early church understood this term as highlighting both the reality of persecution and the victorious continuation of ministry despite opposition. Today, it continues to remind believers that previous suffering doesn’t diminish but rather authenticates and strengthens gospel ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προπάσχω, propaschō, pro-PAS-kho
• Pronunciation Guide: pro (as in “pro-fessional”) + PAS (as in “pass”) + kho (as in “ko”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before”
• πάσχω (paschō) – root verb meaning “to suffer, experience”
• -ω (-ō) – verbal suffix indicating first person singular present active

D – Defining Meanings

• To suffer beforehand
• To experience previous trials
• To undergo prior persecution

For compound words:
The prefix πρό (pro-) adds the temporal aspect of “beforehand,” while πάσχω (paschō) provides the concept of suffering or experiencing hardship.

Translation Options:

• “to suffer previously” – emphasizes temporal sequence
• “to endure beforehand” – highlights the perseverance aspect
• “to experience prior trials” – stresses the experiential nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πάσχω (paschō, PAS-kho) – See G3958: basic form meaning “to suffer”
• συμπάσχω (sympaschō, sym-PAS-kho) – See G4841: emphasizes suffering together
• προφέρω (propherō, pro-FE-rō) – See G4393: focuses on bringing forth

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προπάσχω exhibits:

• Tense: Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Participle
• Person: First
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Punctiliar

Examples of usage:

• Aorist: “having suffered before”
• Participle: “having previously endured”
• Active: “we suffered beforehand”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the term’s connection to prior persecution. Thayer’s highlights its use in describing previous experiences of suffering. LSJ notes its infrequent use in classical Greek. Vine’s connects it to the pattern of apostolic suffering. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature suggesting previous trials. Moulton and Milligan cite limited papyri examples showing previous hardships.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
1 Thessalonians 2:2: “But though we had already suffered [προπαθόντες] and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.”

Additional References:
As a hapax legomenon, προπάσχω appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προπάσχω beautifully captures the reality of Christian suffering and perseverance. This word proclaims the good news by showing that prior persecution doesn’t defeat gospel ministry but rather validates and strengthens it. It reminds us that suffering for Christ is both an honor and a preparation for continued faithful service.

D – Did You Know?

• Προπάσχω is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament
• The word appears in Paul’s first written epistle
• Early church writers used it to discuss the preparatory nature of suffering

Strong’s G4310: A compound verb meaning to suffer beforehand, specifically used of Paul’s prior persecution at Philippi. Emphasizes how previous suffering for the gospel strengthens rather than diminishes continued ministry.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: suffering, persecution, endurance, thessalonians, paul, ministry, trials, persecution, philippi, apostolic-suffering, faithfulness, boldness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​