Brief Overview of προτάσσω (Strong’s G4384: protassō)

Strong’s G4384: A compound verb combining πρό (before) with τάσσω (to arrange, order), meaning to pre-arrange, determine beforehand, or appoint previously. Used in Acts to describe God’s sovereign arrangement of times and boundaries for nations, emphasizing divine providence in human history.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προτάσσω embodies the concept of prior arrangement or predetermined order. As a compound word, it joins πρό (before) with τάσσω (to arrange/order), creating a term that emphasizes divine foreordination and providence. In its sole New Testament appearance in Acts 17:26, Paul uses it to describe God’s sovereign arrangement of human history and national boundaries. The early church understood this term as expressing God’s providential control over human affairs. Today, it continues to affirm God’s sovereign oversight of history and human destiny.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προτάσσω, protassō, /pro-TAS-sō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + tas (as in ‘task’) + sō (as in ‘so’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before”
• τάσσω (tassō) – root verb meaning “to arrange, order”
  The combination emphasizes arrangement or ordering beforehand.

D – Defining Meanings

• To pre-arrange
• To determine beforehand
• To appoint previously

For compound words:
The prefix πρό adds temporal priority to the base verb τάσσω, emphasizing that the arrangement or ordering occurs beforehand.

Translation Options:

1. “To determine beforehand” – Best captures divine providence
2. “To pre-arrange” – Emphasizes intentional planning
3. “To appoint previously” – Highlights authoritative designation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προορίζω (proorizō, /pro-o-RI-zō/) – To predestine
  See G4309
• τάσσω (tassō, /TAS-sō/) – To arrange, appoint
  See G5021
• διατάσσω (diatassō, /di-a-TAS-sō/) – To arrange thoroughly
  See G1299

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προτάσσω exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προτάσσω (I pre-arrange)
• Aorist: προέταξα (I pre-arranged)
• Perfect Passive: προτέταγμαι (I have been pre-arranged)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• πρόταγμα (protagma) – noun form meaning “prior arrangement”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in divine providence contexts. Thayer’s notes its implications for sovereignty. LSJ provides examples from administrative contexts. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and temporal priority. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from official documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having [προτάσσω] determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,” Acts 17:26

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προτάσσω powerfully expresses God’s sovereign direction of human history. The good news of King Jesus reveals that God’s pre-arranged plan includes both the broad sweep of history and the specific timing of Christ’s redemptive work. This encourages us that nothing in our lives or world events is outside His providential care.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in military planning documents.
2. It appears in ancient administrative texts about city planning.
3. Early Christian writers used it to discuss divine providence in salvation history.

Strong’s G4384: A compound verb combining πρό (before) with τάσσω (to arrange, order), meaning to pre-arrange, determine beforehand, or appoint previously. Used in Acts to describe God’s sovereign arrangement of times and boundaries for nations, emphasizing divine providence in human history.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: providence, sovereignty, predetermination, divine plan, arrangement, order, appointment, foreordination, history, boundaries​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​