Brief Overview of προτρέπω (Strong’s G4389: protrepō)

Strong’s G4389: A compound verb combining πρό (forward) with τρέπω (to turn), meaning to urge forward, encourage, or exhort. Used in Acts to describe the Christian community’s active support and encouragement of ministry, emphasizing mutual edification and missionary support.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προτρέπω represents the act of urging someone forward or encouraging them toward positive action. As a compound word, it joins πρό (forward) with τρέπω (to turn), creating a vivid picture of moving someone toward a beneficial goal. In its sole New Testament appearance in Acts 18:27, it describes the church’s encouragement of Apollos in his ministry. The early church understood this term as expressing active support and promotion of ministry efforts. Today, it continues to model how believers should actively encourage and support one another’s spiritual endeavors.

Save with code – FOG20

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προτρέπω, protrepō, /pro-TRE-pō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + tre (as in ‘tray’) + pō (as in ‘pole’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “forward”
• τρέπω (trepō) – root verb meaning “to turn”
  The combination emphasizes motivating forward movement.

D – Defining Meanings

• To urge forward
• To encourage
• To exhort to action

For compound words:
The prefix πρό adds forward direction to the base verb τρέπω, creating the concept of turning or moving someone toward a goal.

Translation Options:

1. “To encourage” – Best captures supportive aspect
2. “To urge forward” – Emphasizes motivational aspect
3. “To exhort” – Highlights active promotion

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παρακαλέω (parakaleō, /pa-ra-ka-LE-ō/) – To exhort, comfort
  See G3870
• προτρεπτικός (protreptikos, /pro-trep-ti-KOS/) – Encouraging, hortatory
  See G4388
• παροτρύνω (parotrynō, /pa-ro-TRY-nō/) – To incite, urge on
  See G3951

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προτρέπω exhibits these morphological features:

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

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προτρέπω (I encourage)
• Aorist: προέτρεψα (I encouraged)
• Present Participle: προτρέπων (encouraging)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προτροπή (protropē) – noun form meaning “encouragement”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in ministry contexts. Thayer’s notes its active encouragement aspect. LSJ provides examples from educational contexts. Vine’s highlights its supportive nature. Strong’s emphasizes the compound meaning. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from letters of recommendation.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers [προτρέπω] encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him.” Acts 18:27

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προτρέπω beautifully captures the church’s role in encouraging ministry and mission. The good news of King Jesus calls us to actively support and promote one another’s spiritual growth and service. It reminds us that Christian community involves practical encouragement toward kingdom work.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in philosophical schools for mentoring
2. It appears in ancient letters recommending traveling teachers
3. Early Christian letters used it to endorse missionary workers

Strong’s G4389: A compound verb combining πρό (forward) with τρέπω (to turn), meaning to urge forward, encourage, or exhort. Used in Acts to describe the Christian community’s active support and encouragement of ministry, emphasizing mutual edification and missionary support.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: encouragement, exhortation, support, ministry, mentoring, recommendation, mission, community, edification, promotion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​