Brief Overview of Πρόχορος (Strong’s G4402: Prochoros)

Strong’s G4402: A compound proper name combining πρό (before/leading) with χορός (dance/chorus), meaning “leader of the dance.” One of the seven chosen to serve tables in the early church, representing the Hellenistic believers and demonstrating the church’s cultural diversity.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πρόχορος represents both a personal name and a concept of leadership in worship or service. As a compound name, it combines πρό (before/leading) with χορός (dance/chorus), suggesting someone who leads in celebration or service. In its New Testament context, it appears in Acts 6:5 as one of the seven chosen to serve the Hellenistic widows, highlighting the early church’s inclusion of Greek-speaking Jews in leadership. The early church understood this appointment as demonstrating both practical service and cultural integration. Today, it continues to exemplify the importance of diverse leadership and practical ministry in the church.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Πρόχορος, Prochoros, /PRO-kho-ros/
• Detailed pronunciation: pro (as in ‘pro’) + kho (as in ‘chorus’) + ros (as in ‘rose’)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Proper Name)

Etymology:

• πρό (pro-) – prefix meaning “before/leading”
• χορός (choros) – noun meaning “dance/chorus”
  The combination creates a name meaning “leader of the dance”

D – Defining Meanings

• Leader of the dance
• One who leads in celebration
• One who goes before in service

For compound words:
The prefix πρό combines with χορός to create a name suggesting leadership in celebratory or service contexts.

Translation Options:

1. “Prochorus” – Traditional transliteration
2. “Dance leader” – Literal meaning
3. “Worship leader” – Contextual interpretation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χορός (choros, /kho-ROS/) – Dance, chorus
  See G5525
• προηγέομαι (proēgeomai, /pro-ē-GE-o-mai/) – To lead, go before
  See G4285
• διάκονος (diakonos, /di-A-ko-nos/) – Servant, minister
  See G1249

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a proper noun, Πρόχορος exhibits these morphological features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

Example forms:

• Nominative: Πρόχορος
• Genitive: Προχόρου
• Dative: Προχόρῳ
• Accusative: Πρόχορον

Related words in other parts of speech:
None directly derived

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes his role among the Seven. Thayer’s notes his Hellenistic background. LSJ provides cultural context for the name’s meaning. Vine’s highlights his service role. Strong’s emphasizes the compound meaning. Moulton and Milligan cite examples of the name’s usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and [Πρόχορος] Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.” Acts 6:5

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πρόχορος exemplifies how the early church valued both practical service and cultural diversity. His appointment demonstrates that the good news of King Jesus breaks down cultural barriers and values all forms of service in building His kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. Later tradition made him a companion of Stephen in martyrdom
2. Some early sources associate him with John’s ministry
3. His name appears in early church lists of the seventy disciples

Strong’s G4402: A compound proper name combining πρό (before/leading) with χορός (dance/chorus), meaning “leader of the dance.” One of the seven chosen to serve tables in the early church, representing the Hellenistic believers and demonstrating the church’s cultural diversity.

Part of speech: Noun (Proper Name)

Tags: seven deacons, Hellenistic Jews, early church, service, leadership, cultural diversity, ministry, worship, celebration, inclusion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​