Brief Overview of προϋπάρχω (Strong’s G4391: prouparchō)

Strong’s G4391: A compound verb combining πρό (before) with ὑπάρχω (to exist, be), meaning to exist or be previously. Used in Luke’s writings to describe prior conditions or relationships, emphasizing historical context and the transformative power of Christ’s presence.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προϋπάρχω expresses prior existence or previous conditions. As a compound word, it joins πρό (before) with ὑπάρχω (to exist/be), creating a term that describes established situations or relationships before a significant change. In its New Testament appearances, it describes the previous enmity between Herod and Pilate before Christ’s trial united them. The early church understood this term as highlighting how Christ’s presence transforms existing relationships and situations. Today, it reminds us how the gospel can transform longstanding conditions and relationships.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προϋπάρχω, prouparchō, /pro-y-PAR-khō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + y (as in ‘you’) + par (as in ‘par’) + khō (as in ‘ko’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before”
• ὑπάρχω (hyparchō) – root verb meaning “to exist, be”
  The combination emphasizes prior existence or condition.

D – Defining Meanings

• To exist before
• To be previously
• To be in a prior state

For compound words:
The prefix πρό adds temporal priority to the base verb ὑπάρχω, creating the concept of prior existence or condition.

Translation Options:

1. “To exist previously” – Best captures temporal aspect
2. “To be beforehand” – Emphasizes prior condition
3. “To pre-exist” – Highlights anteriority

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προγίνομαι (proginomai, /pro-GI-no-mai/) – To happen before
  See G4266
• ὑπάρχω (hyparchō, /hy-PAR-khō/) – To exist, be
  See G5225
• προεῖναι (proeimi, /pro-EI-nai/) – To be before
  See G4244

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προϋπάρχω exhibits these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προϋπάρχω (I exist before)
• Imperfect: προϋπῆρχον (I was existing before)
• Present Participle: προϋπάρχων (existing before)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προΰπαρξις (prouparxis) – noun form meaning “pre-existence”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing prior conditions. Thayer’s notes its temporal significance. LSJ provides examples from historical contexts. Vine’s highlights its use in Luke’s writings. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from legal documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for [προϋπάρχω] before this they had been at enmity with each other.” Luke 23:12

Additional References:
Acts 8:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προϋπάρχω powerfully illustrates how Christ’s presence can transform existing relationships and situations. The good news of King Jesus has the power to change longstanding conditions, even turning enemies into friends, as demonstrated in the case of Herod and Pilate.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in ancient peace treaties
2. It appears in philosophical texts discussing pre-existence
3. Early Christian writers used it to discuss Christ’s pre-existence

Strong’s G4391: A compound verb combining πρό (before) with ὑπάρχω (to exist, be), meaning to exist or be previously. Used in Luke’s writings to describe prior conditions or relationships, emphasizing historical context and the transformative power of Christ’s presence.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: pre-existence, prior condition, transformation, relationships, change, history, existence, state, condition, prior time​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​