προκόπτω (G4298) — Greek Lexicon

προκόπτω

prokóptō

G4298 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To make progress, to advance, particularly with the sense of moving forward (in physical space, in achievements, time, or status); by extension, to develop or increase (as in knowledge, value, reputation, or spiritual attainment). The term emphasizes the idea of forward motion, whether literal or metaphorical, and can carry a sense of overcoming obstacles, forging a path, or increasing in what is specified by context (e.g., age, learning, time, virtue).

Semantic Range

to advance (physically or metaphorically), to make progress, to increase (in status, reputation, ability, age, virtue), to proceed (in time), to become further along, to be far spent (of time)

Root / Etymology

From the preposition πρό (forward, before) and the verb κόπτω (to strike, cut), literally 'to cut forward,' evoking the image of cutting a way forward (as through a forest or against opposition).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, προκόπτω originally referred to making headway by cutting through something, like a path through woods, and hence by extension, any kind of progress or advancement. In Hellenistic and Koine contexts, the term broadened to mean any sort of advancement, not just physical but also in abstract senses — progress in age, learning, virtue, wealth, or time. In the Septuagint and the New Testament, προκόπτω is used for both positive and neutral senses: advancing in age (Luke 2:52), time (Romans 13:12), or spiritual life (Galatians 1:14). English translations like 'increase,' 'progress,' 'advance,' 'grow,' or 'be far spent' only capture particular senses; the underlying Greek encompasses the forging of a path forward or making headway, which may imply perseverance or overcoming difficulties. It does not necessarily connote moral or spiritual content unless specified by context. The verb is intransitive in most attested New Testament uses, and often uses prepositions or objects specifying the domain of advancement. Contrasts with terms such as αὐξάνω (to grow, typically of natural organic growth) and προβαίνω (to step forward, often simply signifying passage or physical movement, rather than notable progress).

Translation Consistency

primary "advance" 5 occurrences

Most occurrences are rendered with “advance,” and the term’s primary sense is forward movement or making progress (physically, temporally, or metaphorically). “Advance” naturally covers increasing status, reputation, skill, or moving on in time while remaining clear and idiomatic in English, so it best fits consistent use for all forms of G4298.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):

"far spent" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πρό and κόπτω; to drive forward (as if by beating), i.e. (figuratively and intransitively) to advance (in amount, to grow; in time, to be well along):--increase, proceed, profit, be far spent, wax.

Root Family

προκόπτω (prokoptō) — to advance, to proceed, to progress, to make headway

Root προκόπτ- to advance, to proceed, to progress, to make headway

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4298-04`	προκόψουσιν	prokopsousin	`V FUT ACT IND 3P PL`	they will advance	they will advance	they will advance	3
`G4298-01`	προέκοψεν	proekopsen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	is far spent	advanced	is far spent	1
`G4298-02`	προέκοπτεν	proekopten	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	increased	was advancing	was advancing	1
`G4298-03`	προέκοπτον	proekopton	`V IMPF ACT IND 1P SG`	I was advancing	I was advancing	I was advancing	1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4298-02`	Luke 2:52	προέκοπτεν	proekopten	`V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG`	increased	was advancing	was advancing
`G4298-01`	Romans 13:12	προέκοψεν	proekopsen	`V AOR ACT IND 3P SG`	is far spent	advanced	is far spent
`G4298-03`	Galatians 1:14	προέκοπτον	proekopton	`V IMPF ACT IND 1P SG`	I was advancing	I was advancing	I was advancing
`G4298-04`	2 Timothy 2:16	προκόψουσιν	prokopsousin	`V FUT ACT IND 3P PL`	will advance	they will advance	they will advance
`G4298-04`	2 Timothy 3:9	προκόψουσιν	prokopsousin	`V FUT ACT IND 3P PL`	they will advance	they will advance	they will advance
`G4298-04`	2 Timothy 3:13	προκόψουσιν	prokopsousin	`V FUT ACT IND 3P PL`	will proceed	they will advance	they will advance

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