Brief Overview of προτρέχω (Strong’s G4390: protrechō)

Strong’s G4390: A compound verb combining πρό (before, forward) with τρέχω (to run), meaning to run ahead or outrun. Used in Gospel narratives to describe eager anticipation and preparation to meet Jesus, particularly in Zacchaeus’s story, symbolizing spiritual earnestness.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προτρέχω embodies the action of running ahead or before others. As a compound word, it joins πρό (before/forward) with τρέχω (to run), creating a vivid picture of eager anticipation through physical movement. In its New Testament usage, particularly in Luke 19:4, it describes Zacchaeus’s earnest effort to see Jesus by running ahead and climbing a tree. The early church understood this term as symbolizing spiritual eagerness and preparatory action to encounter Christ. Today, it continues to illustrate the importance of taking initiative in seeking Jesus.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προτρέχω, protrechō, /pro-TRE-khō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + tre (as in ‘tray’) + khō (as in ‘ko’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before, forward”
• τρέχω (trechō) – root verb meaning “to run”
  The combination emphasizes running ahead or before others.

D – Defining Meanings

• To run ahead
• To outrun
• To run before

For compound words:
The prefix πρό adds the notion of forward or anticipatory movement to the base verb τρέχω, creating the concept of running ahead of others.

Translation Options:

1. “To run ahead” – Best captures anticipatory movement
2. “To outrun” – Emphasizes comparative speed
3. “To run before” – Highlights temporal sequence

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τρέχω (trechō, /TRE-khō/) – To run
  See G5143
• συντρέχω (syntrechō, /syn-TRE-khō/) – To run together
  See G4936
• προπορεύομαι (proporeuomai, /pro-po-REU-o-mai/) – To go before
  See G4313

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προτρέχω exhibits these morphological features:

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

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προτρέχω (I run ahead)
• Aorist: προέδραμον (I ran ahead)
• Present Participle: προτρέχων (running ahead)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• πρόδρομος (prodromos) – noun meaning “forerunner”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its physical and metaphorical implications. Thayer’s notes its use in expressing eagerness. LSJ provides examples from athletic contexts. Vine’s highlights its significance in Zacchaeus’s story. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature. Moulton and Milligan cite examples of literal and metaphorical usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“So he [προτρέχω] ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.” Luke 19:4

Additional References:
John 20:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προτρέχω beautifully captures the eager pursuit of Christ. Like Zacchaeus, we are called to take initiative in seeking Jesus. The good news of King Jesus invites us to run ahead with anticipation, overcoming obstacles to encounter Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in ancient athletic competitions.
2. It appears in military contexts describing advance scouts.
3. Early Christian writers used it to describe spiritual preparation.

Strong’s G4390: A compound verb combining πρό (before, forward) with τρέχω (to run), meaning to run ahead or outrun. Used in Gospel narratives to describe eager anticipation and preparation to meet Jesus, particularly in Zacchaeus’s story, symbolizing spiritual earnestness.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: running, anticipation, eagerness, preparation, seeking, initiative, pursuit, haste, advance, forerunning​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​