Brief Overview of πρῶτον (Strong’s G4412: proton)

Strong’s G4412: An adverb derived from πρῶτος (first), meaning “first, at first, before, first of all.” Used to indicate temporal or logical priority in actions or sequence. Significant in highlighting essential priorities in both practical and spiritual contexts throughout the New Testament.

U- Unveiling the Word

πρῶτον serves as a crucial marker of priority and sequence in New Testament teachings. As an adverbial form of πρῶτος, it indicates not just chronological sequence but often logical or spiritual priority. The word appears frequently in Jesus’ teachings about kingdom priorities and in apostolic instructions about Christian living. Its usage helps establish proper order in both practical matters and spiritual disciplines. Early church fathers employed this term extensively when discussing spiritual priorities and the proper sequence of Christian formation. Today, πρῶτον continues to guide believers in understanding divine priorities and the proper ordering of spiritual life.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρῶτον, proton, /pro-ton/
• Detailed pronunciation: PROH-ton (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• Root: πρῶτος (protos) – “first”
• Suffix: -ον (-on) – neuter singular accusative ending used adverbially
• Ultimate derivation from πρό (pro) – “before”

D – Defining Meanings

• First (in time or sequence)
• First of all (in importance)
• Before (doing something else)

For compound words: Not a compound word, but rather an adverbial form of πρῶτος

Translation Options:

• “First” – Most common and versatile translation
• “First of all” – Emphasizes priority or importance
• “Before” – Useful when emphasizing sequence

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πρῶτος (protos) /pro-tos/ – “first” (adjective) – See G4413
• πρότερον (proteron) /pro-ter-on/ – “before” – See G4386
• πρῶτα (prota) /pro-ta/ – “first things” – See G4413

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, πρῶτον is indeclinable, meaning it doesn’t change form based on its function in the sentence. However, it’s worth noting that it originated from:

• The neuter singular accusative form of πρῶτος
• Used adverbially to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
• Can function as a temporal or logical modifier

Cross-references to related words:

• πρῶτος (adjective)
• πρωτεύω (verb)
• πρώτως (adverb)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both temporal and logical priority uses of πρῶτον. Thayer’s notes its function in establishing sequence or priority. LSJ documents its wide range of uses in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its importance in establishing spiritual priorities. Strong’s connects it to the concept of primacy or priority. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in everyday language. LEH discusses its frequent appearance in the Septuagint for establishing proper order.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 5:24 “Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first [πρῶτον] be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

Additional References:
Matthew 6:33, Matthew 7:5, Mark 7:27, Luke 6:42, John 15:18, Romans 1:16, 1 Timothy 2:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πρῶτον helps us understand divine priorities and proper spiritual order. Jesus used this word to teach us to seek first God’s kingdom, to reconcile with others before worship, and to examine ourselves before judging others. It reminds us that in God’s kingdom, proper order matters – we must first receive Christ’s righteousness before we can truly serve Him. This word guides us in aligning our priorities with God’s priorities, showing us how to put first things first in our walk with Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in key passages about spiritual priorities, including “seek first the kingdom of God.”
2. Early Christian catechisms often used πρῶτον to structure their teachings in order of importance.
3. The word influenced the development of Christian spiritual formation practices and their proper sequence.

Strong’s G4412: An adverb derived from πρῶτος (first), meaning “first, at first, before, first of all.” Used to indicate temporal or logical priority in actions or sequence. Significant in highlighting essential priorities in both practical and spiritual contexts throughout the New Testament.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: priority, sequence, order, first, spiritual priorities, kingdom priorities, temporal order, logical sequence, Christian formation, divine order, spiritual disciplines, proper order