Brief Overview of προτείνω (Strong’s G4385: proteinō)

Strong’s G4385: A compound verb combining πρό (forward) with τείνω (to stretch), meaning to stretch forward or extend out. Used in Acts to describe Paul being stretched out for scourging, carrying both physical and legal implications in Roman judicial context.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προτείνω represents the act of stretching or extending forward. As a compound word, it joins πρό (forward) with τείνω (to stretch), creating a vivid picture of physical extension. In its sole New Testament appearance in Acts 22:25, it describes Paul being stretched out for scourging, highlighting both the physical preparation for punishment and the legal implications of Roman judicial procedure. The early church understood this term as reflecting both physical suffering and legal rights in persecution contexts. Today, it reminds us of both the reality of persecution and the legitimate use of legal protections.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προτείνω, proteinō, /pro-TEI-nō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + tei (as in ‘tie’) + nō (as in ‘no’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “forward”
• τείνω (teinō) – root verb meaning “to stretch”
  The combination emphasizes forward extension or stretching.

D – Defining Meanings

• To stretch forward
• To extend out
• To spread out before

For compound words:
The prefix πρό adds directional force to the base verb τείνω, emphasizing forward movement in the stretching action.

Translation Options:

1. “To stretch out” – Best captures physical action
2. “To extend” – Emphasizes the directional aspect
3. “To spread forth” – Highlights the preparatory nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκτείνω (ekteinō, /ek-TEI-nō/) – To stretch out
  See G1614
• διατείνω (diateinō, /di-a-TEI-nō/) – To stretch thoroughly
  See G1288
• τανύω (tanyō, /ta-NY-ō/) – To stretch
  See G5112

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προτείνω exhibits these morphological features:

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

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προτείνω (I stretch forward)
• Aorist: προέτεινα (I stretched forward)
• Perfect: προτέτακα (I have stretched forward)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• πρότασις (protasis) – noun form meaning “extension”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical use in judicial contexts. Thayer’s notes its physical and legal implications. LSJ provides examples from various contexts of extension. Vine’s highlights its specific usage in Acts. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“But when they had [προτείνω] stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, ‘Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?'” Acts 22:25

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προτείνω powerfully captures both physical preparation for suffering and legal rights in persecution. Paul’s experience shows how the good news of King Jesus empowers believers to face persecution while wisely using available legal protections. It reminds us that Christian witness may involve both suffering and strategic use of legal rights.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was a technical term in Roman judicial procedure.
2. It appears in ancient military manuals for battle formations.
3. Early Christian martyrdom accounts used it to describe preparation for torture.

Strong’s G4385: A compound verb combining πρό (forward) with τείνω (to stretch), meaning to stretch forward or extend out. Used in Acts to describe Paul being stretched out for scourging, carrying both physical and legal implications in Roman judicial context.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: stretching, extension, persecution, legal rights, preparation, suffering, judicial procedure, Roman law, physical restraint, torture​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​