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πρό

pró

G4253 preposition

SILEX Entry

Definition

Basic sense: before, both in a spatial and temporal sense. Used most frequently as a preposition meaning 'before' in reference to place (in front of) or time (prior to an event or moment). It can figuratively denote status (being prior or superior to something else). In comparative uses, it maintains these meanings.

Semantic Range

before (in time), in front of (in space), prior to, earlier than, before (in rank or authority), superior to

Root / Etymology

From the root προ-, a prepositional prefix and preposition in ancient Greek, related to the Proto-Indo-European root *per- ('before, in front of'). Cognate with Latin 'pro' and English 'for/before'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, πρό commonly indicates position (in front of) or precedence in time. In Hellenistic and Koine contexts (including the Septuagint and New Testament), its use is similar, primarily expressing temporal sequence ('before this happened') and spatial orientation ('standing before'). Figuratively, it can suggest precedence in rank, honor, or importance (e.g., 'superior to'). English translations, such as 'before,' 'in front of,' or 'above,' usually capture its meaning, but the nuance (spatial vs. temporal vs. figurative) must be discerned from context. It may also form compounds as a prefix (e.g., προφητεύω 'to prophesy' = 'to speak before'). The meaning does not significantly shift from prior periods; the use as a preposition is consistent throughout classical, Hellenistic, and Koine periods.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary preposition; "fore", i.e. in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to:--above, ago, before, or ever. In the comparative, it retains the same significations.

Root Family

πρό (pro) — before, in front of, prior, superior

Root προ- before, in front of, prior, superior

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4253-01 πρὸ pro PREP GEN before before before 47

Occurrences in Scripture

47 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4253-01 Matthew 5:12 πρὸ pro PREP GEN before before before
G4253-01 Matthew 6:8 πρὸ pro PREP GEN before before before
G4253-01 Matthew 8:29 πρὸ pro PREP GEN before before before
G4253-01 Matthew 11:10 πρὸ pro PREP GEN before before before
G4253-01 Matthew 24:38 πρὸ pro PREP GEN before before before
G4253-01 Mark 1:2 πρὸ pro PREP GEN before before before
G4253-01 Luke 2:21 πρὸ pro PREP GEN before before before
G4253-01 Luke 7:27 πρὸ pro PREP GEN before before before
G4253-01 Luke 9:52 πρὸ pro PREP GEN before before before
G4253-01 Luke 10:1 πρὸ pro PREP GEN before before before
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