G4386
πρότερον
previously
Transliteration
próteronPronunciation
(prot'-er-on)Everything you need to know.
of Completion
This certifies that
Is on track to complete the Bible for the 1st time in 240 days.
Paul's Handkerchief is Bible study with a difference — going word-by-word through Scripture to reclaim the Ancient Near East context, romance, and mystery that modern translations often leave behind.
Only about 3% of people around the world who start the Bible ever finish it. The 3% Club is for those ready to break that cycle — reading the entire Bible at their own pace, backed by community and tools built to make finishing not just possible, but inevitable. You also get a certificate to celebrate your achievement.
Bible Cafe isn't just Bible study — it's a personal, intimate conversation with Him. Think less classroom, more kitchen table. It combines the original Coffee with Jesus experience with activities like quizzes, crosswords, journaling and more, all designed to let the Word shape your heart, not just your head.
Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G Bible Project exists to change that — three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Bible, and F.O.G Jr. for younger readers), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance restoring the depths most translations leave behind. It is Jean Paul's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.
Jean Paul Joseph is the lead editor of the F.O.G Bible Project. He works from a personal encounter with Jesus first, then draws on the scholarship of respected Jewish and Christian scholars — because the church was Jewish before it was anything else, and those roots change everything about how you read Scripture.
Simply create an account and choose your preferred Bible and reading style. The app will track your progress and help keep you accountable to the rhythm of daily Scripture engagement.
previously
πρότερον(próteron)
Strong’s Definition
previously
neuter of G4387 (πρότερος) as adverb (with or without the article);
“What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
Strong's G4386: An adverb derived from πρό (before), meaning before, formerly, or previously. Used to reference prior events or conditions, particularly in theological contexts discussing Christ's pre-existence, believers' former lives, and God's prior revelations.
U- Unveiling the Word
Πρότερον denotes temporal priority or anteriority. Derived from πρό (before), it specifically refers to that which came before or existed previously. In New Testament usage, it appears in significant theological contexts, from Christ's pre-existence (John 6:62) to believers' former way of life. The early church used this term to discuss both Christ's eternal nature and the transformative power of the gospel in believers' lives. Today, it helps us understand both our spiritual heritage and personal transformation in Christ.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
The combination creates an adverbial form meaning "earlier" or "previously"
D - Defining Meanings
For compound words:
While not strictly compound, the word combines the root πρό with a comparative suffix -τερον to create a more specific temporal reference.
Translation Options:
E - Exploring Similar Words
See G3819
See G4412
See G4218
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
As an adverb, πρότερον is indeclinable, maintaining the same form regardless of its position or function in the sentence.
Characteristics:
Related words in other parts of speech:
Send a Gift
This website is 100% donor-funded. Your generosity allows someone else to access this content for free.
Give a gift of $100 to sponsor a verse or page of your choice.
S - Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes its temporal implications. Thayer's notes its use in both absolute and relative time references. LSJ provides examples of various temporal usages. Vine's highlights its theological significance. Strong's emphasizes its comparative nature. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from documentary papyri.
T - Tracing the Scriptures
First Appearance:
"Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was [πρότερον] before?" John 6:62
Additional References:
John 7:50
2 Corinthians 1:15
Galatians 4:13
1 Timothy 1:13
Hebrews 4:6
A - Analyzing Classical Usage
N - Noteworthy Summary
Πρότερον beautifully captures both Christ's eternal pre-existence and believers' transformation from their former lives. The good news of King Jesus connects both our past and future, showing how God's eternal plan unfolds in time while transforming our personal histories through His grace.
D - Did You Know?
Strong's G4386: An adverb derived from πρό (before), meaning before, formerly, or previously. Used to reference prior events or conditions, particularly in theological contexts discussing Christ's pre-existence, believers' former lives, and God's prior revelations.
Part of speech: Adverb
Tags: temporal, prior, former, previous, before, chronology, past, history, transformation, pre-existence