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προγράφω

prográphō

G4270 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To write beforehand; to record or inscribe previously. In some contexts, to make known or set forth publicly in advance through writing (e.g., by public proclamation, by notification in legal or official form, or by advance correspondence). In figurative or extended usage, to designate, announce, or outline a matter prior to its fulfillment or occurrence.

Semantic Range

to write beforehand, to write in advance, to post or inscribe publicly before, to foreordain or designate by written record, to previously notify or announce, to set forth or portray in writing

Root / Etymology

From προ- (pro-, 'before') and γράφω (graphō, 'to write'); thus, 'to write before' or 'to write in advance.' Direct compound of the verb γράφω.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, προγράφω is rarely attested but carries the sense of 'writing publicly beforehand,' often in the context of posting public notices or edicts (e.g., legal announcements posted in advance). In Hellenistic and Roman-period usage—especially in documentary and legal contexts—it commonly refers to inscribing or posting documents or decrees ahead of an event. In the Septuagint, the term is rare; its primary NT usage focuses on the idea of previously announcing or recording through written text, either in scriptural precedent or by apostolic communication (e.g., Romans 15:4, Galatians 3:1, Jude 4). The meaning can extend to figurative acts of 'setting forth' or 'portraying' something as if it were written or displayed in advance. Standard English translations (e.g., 'write before,' 'set forth') may not always capture the nuance of public posting or official notification that is present in some Hellenistic and legalist usages. Related to, but distinct from, δημοσιεύω ('to make public'), as προγράφω emphasizes the act of recording or inscribing in advance rather than simply making known.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πρό and γράφω; to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe:--before ordain, evidently set forth, write (afore, aforetime).

Root Family

προγράφω (prographō) — to write beforehand, to inscribe in advance, to record previously

Root γραφ- to write, to inscribe, to record

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4270-01 προεγράφη proegraphe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG was publicly portrayed was written beforehand was publicly portrayed 2
G4270-02 προέγραψα proegrapsa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I wrote before I wrote beforehand I wrote beforehand 1
G4270-03 προγεγραμμένοι progegrammenoi V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL were designated having been written beforehand having been written beforehand 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4270-01 Romans 15:4 προεγράφη proegraphe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG was written beforehand was written beforehand was written beforehand
G4270-01 Galatians 3:1 προεγράφη proegraphe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG was publicly portrayed was written beforehand was publicly portrayed
G4270-02 Ephesians 3:3 προέγραψα proegrapsa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I wrote before I wrote beforehand I wrote beforehand
G4270-03 Jude 1:4 προγεγραμμένοι progegrammenoi V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL were designated having been written beforehand having been written beforehand
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