προμελετάω
promeletáō
G4304 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To prepare or consider in advance, especially by practicing, rehearsing, or reflecting ahead of time; primarily refers to thoughtful anticipation, such as composing a speech or response beforehand. The core meaning involves deliberate mental or practical preparation prior to action.
Semantic Range
to practice beforehand, to rehearse in advance (especially a speech or legal defense), to meditate in advance, to deliberately prepare, to prepare one's response ahead of time
Root / Etymology
From the prepositional prefix πρό (before, in advance) and the verb μελετάω (to care for, to practice, to exercise, to meditate), thus literally 'to practice beforehand' or 'to rehearse in advance.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, προμελετάω is an uncommon verb, appearing in legal, rhetorical, and some literary contexts. Its usage in the New Testament (e.g., Mark 13:11; Luke 21:14) specifically refers to the act of preparing one's defense or response beforehand—a common concern in the context of public legal hearings. The semantic field emphasizes purposeful forethought and mental rehearsal, differing from more general terms for 'thinking' or 'considering' (e.g., λογίζομαι, φρονέω) in its focus on practical or rhetorical preparation. In Greco-Roman rhetorical tradition, προμελετάω often denotes rehearsal of speeches or arguments before public delivery. Standard English translations, such as 'premeditate' or 'prepare beforehand,' generally capture the intent, but may miss the nuances of preparation versus simple mental planning. In classical sources, similar compositional and legal nuances are attested, though usage is rare. In the LXX, the term does not appear; its meaning in Koine remains consistent with its linguistic components.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρό and μελετάω; to premeditate:--meditate before.
Root Family
μελετ- (meletáō) — to be concerned with, to attend to, to practice
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G3191 | μελετάω | they deliberated |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4304-01 |
προμελετᾶν | promeletan | V PRS ACT INF |
to meditate | to rehearse beforehand | to rehearse beforehand | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4304-01 |
Luke 21:14 | προμελετᾶν | promeletan | V PRS ACT INF |
to meditate | to rehearse beforehand | to rehearse beforehand |