Brief Overview of πρός (Strong’s G4314: pros)

Strong’s G4314: A primary preposition indicating motion or direction toward, facing, or in relation to something or someone. In biblical usage, it carries rich theological significance, especially in describing relationships, both divine-human and interpersonal.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πρός is one of the most versatile and theologically significant prepositions in the New Testament. Its primary meaning of “toward” or “facing” extends beyond spatial relationships to encompass spiritual and relational concepts. Most notably, it appears in John 1:1 describing the Word’s relationship with God (“the Word was with God”), suggesting intimate fellowship. The early church recognized this term’s profound implications for understanding both the Trinity and human relationship with God. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of Christian fellowship, prayer, and divine-human relationship.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρός, pros, pros
• Pronunciation Guide: pros (rhymes with “close”)
• Part of Speech: Preposition

Etymology:

• Primary preposition without compound elements
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *preti (towards, against)
• One of the fundamental directional prepositions in Greek

D – Defining Meanings

• Toward (direction)
• With (relationship)
• For (purpose)
• Against (opposition)

Translation Options:

• “to/toward” – emphasizes directional aspect
• “with” – highlights relational aspect
• “facing” – stresses orientation or position

E – Exploring Similar Words

• εἰς (eis, ice) – See G1519: indicates motion into
• παρά (para, pa-RA) – See G3844: indicates alongside
• σύν (syn, soon) – See G4862: indicates accompaniment

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a preposition, πρός:

• Takes the accusative case most commonly
• Less frequently takes dative and genitive cases
• Does not change form
• Affects the case of the noun it governs

Case usage affects meaning:

• With accusative: motion toward
• With dative: position near
• With genitive: beneficial direction

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG details extensive usage patterns in spatial, temporal, and figurative contexts. Thayer’s emphasizes its importance in expressing relationship. LSJ notes its varied classical usage. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Strong’s emphasizes directional aspects. Moulton and Milligan demonstrate its common usage in everyday language.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 2:12: “And being warned in a dream not to return [πρός] to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

Additional References:
John 1:1
Romans 5:1
Hebrews 4:16
1 John 1:2

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πρός beautifully captures the concept of relationship and direction in biblical theology. This word proclaims the good news by showing both the eternal fellowship within the Trinity and God’s desire for intimate relationship with humanity. It reminds us that Christianity is fundamentally about relationship – with God and with one another.

D – Did You Know?

• Πρός appears over 700 times in the New Testament
• Its use in John 1:1 became crucial in early Trinitarian discussions
• It’s one of the most versatile prepositions in biblical Greek

Strong’s G4314: A primary preposition indicating motion, direction, or relationship toward something or someone. Used extensively in theological contexts to describe relationships, especially between God and humans, and within the Trinity.

Part of speech: Preposition

Tags: relationship, direction, trinity, fellowship, prayer, divine-human-relationship, john, preposition, proximity, purpose, interaction, communion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​