Brief Overview of προφέρω (Strong’s G4393: propherō)

Strong’s G4393: A compound verb combining πρό (forth) with φέρω (to bring/bear), meaning to bring forth or produce. Used in Jesus’ teaching about the heart producing words and actions, emphasizing the connection between inner character and outward expression.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προφέρω represents the act of bringing something forth or producing it from within. As a compound word, it joins πρό (forth) with φέρω (to bring/bear), creating a vivid picture of producing or expressing what is stored within. In its New Testament context, particularly in Luke 6:45, Jesus uses it to describe how the heart produces words, illustrating the connection between inner character and outward expression. The early church understood this term as emphasizing authentic spiritual fruit. Today, it continues to remind us that our words and actions reveal our true spiritual condition.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προφέρω, propherō, /pro-FE-rō/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + fe (as in ‘fair’) + rō (as in ‘row’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “forth”
• φέρω (pherō) – root verb meaning “to bring, bear”
  The combination emphasizes bringing something forth from within.

D – Defining Meanings

• To bring forth
• To produce
• To express outwardly

For compound words:
The prefix πρό adds directional force to the base verb φέρω, creating the concept of bringing something out into the open.

Translation Options:

1. “To bring forth” – Best captures the movement from within
2. “To produce” – Emphasizes generative aspect
3. “To express” – Highlights manifestation aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκφέρω (ekpherō, /ek-FE-rō/) – To bring out
  See G1627
• καρποφορέω (karpophoreō, /kar-po-fo-RE-ō/) – To bear fruit
  See G2592
• προβάλλω (proballō, /pro-BAL-lō/) – To put forth
  See G4261

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προφέρω exhibits these morphological features:

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

Example morphological variations:

• Present: προφέρω (I bring forth)
• Future: προοίσω (I will bring forth)
• Aorist: προήνεγκα (I brought forth)

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προφορά (prophora) – noun form meaning “utterance”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in expressing inner character. Thayer’s notes its connection to fruit-bearing metaphors. LSJ provides examples from agricultural contexts. Vine’s highlights its use in Jesus’ teaching. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from agricultural documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart [προφέρω] brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure [προφέρω] brings forth evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προφέρω powerfully illustrates how our inner spiritual condition manifests in our words and actions. The good news of King Jesus transforms our hearts, enabling us to bring forth good treasure that reflects His character and grace.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in agricultural texts about harvest.
2. Greek philosophers used it to describe mental production.
3. Early Christian writers used it to discuss spiritual fruit-bearing.

Strong’s G4393: A compound verb combining πρό (forth) with φέρω (to bring/bear), meaning to bring forth or produce. Used in Jesus’ teaching about the heart producing words and actions, emphasizing the connection between inner character and outward expression.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: production, expression, manifestation, fruit-bearing, character, heart, words, actions, inner life, authenticity​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​