Strong’s G4368: A feminine noun derived from προΐστημι (to stand before, lead), meaning a female guardian, protector, or patron. Used of women in leadership roles who provided support and protection to others in the early church, particularly describing Phoebe’s ministry role.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προστάτις represents a significant leadership and support role, specifically referring to women who served as guardians or patrons. The word carries both protective and provisional connotations, describing someone who stands before others to help and defend them. In its New Testament context, particularly in Romans 16:2, it describes Phoebe’s vital role in the early church, highlighting women’s leadership and service. The early church understood this term as legitimizing women’s significant contributions to church life and ministry. Today, it continues to affirm the importance of women’s leadership roles and the value of patronage in Christian ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προστάτις, prostatis, /pro-STA-tis/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + sta (as in ‘star’) + tis (as in ‘tease’)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• προ- (pro-) – prefix meaning “before”
• στάτις (statis) – from ἵστημι (histēmi), meaning “to stand”
• -ις (-is) – feminine noun suffix
  The combination creates a term for a woman who stands before others in a protective or supportive role.

D – Defining Meanings

• Female guardian or protector
• Patroness
• Female benefactor or helper

For compound words:
The prefix προ- indicates standing before or in front, while the root στάτις denotes the act of standing, together forming a word that describes someone who takes a forward position of protection and support.

Translation Options:

1. “Patroness” – Best captures both the support and authority aspects
2. “Guardian” – Emphasizes the protective role
3. “Benefactor” – Highlights the supportive and provisional aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προστάτης (prostatēs, /pro-STA-tēs/) – Male guardian or patron
  See G4291
• διάκονος (diakonos, /di-A-ko-nos/) – Minister, servant
  See G1249
• βοηθός (boēthos, /bo-ē-THOS/) – Helper
  See G998

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun, προστάτις exhibits these morphological features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: προστάτις
• Genitive singular: προστάτιδος
• Dative singular: προστάτιδι
• Accusative singular: προστάτιν

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προΐστημι (proistēmi) – verb meaning “to stand before, lead”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its significance in describing women’s leadership roles. Thayer’s notes its connection to patronage and protection. LSJ provides examples from classical contexts of female guardianship. Vine’s highlights its unique application to Phoebe. Strong’s emphasizes its root meaning of “standing before.” Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri showing women in protective roles.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“For she has been a [προστάτις] patron of many and of myself as well.” Romans 16:2

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προστάτις powerfully affirms women’s leadership roles in the early church, challenging cultural norms both then and now. Through Phoebe’s example, we see how the good news of King Jesus breaks down gender barriers and validates women’s ministry contributions. This word reminds us that Christ’s kingdom values leadership based on giftedness and calling, not gender.

D – Did You Know?

1. This term was used in Greek civil law for women who served as legal guardians.
2. It appears in ancient inscriptions honoring women who served as civic benefactors.
3. Early church archaeological evidence shows women described with this title serving as house church leaders.

Strong’s G4368: A feminine noun derived from προΐστημι (to stand before, lead), meaning a female guardian, protector, or patron. Used of women in leadership roles who provided support and protection to others in the early church, particularly describing Phoebe’s ministry role.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: women, leadership, patronage, protection, ministry, service, guardian, benefactor, early church, female leadership​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​