προστάτις
prostátis
G4368 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A woman who stands before or leads; a female protector, patron, or benefactor. The term refers to one who takes a position of leadership or responsibility, often on behalf of others, providing support, aid, or advocacy. In some contexts, it can denote a woman who assumes a guiding, supervisory, or representative role, especially in matters of communal or charitable concern.
Semantic Range
female protector, patroness, benefactress, advocate, leader, supporter, provider, one who stands before
Root / Etymology
From προστάτης (prostátēs, 'leader, protector, patron') and the feminine suffix -ις; ultimately from the verb προΐστημι ('to stand before, to lead, rule, preside over'), itself from πρό ('before') + ἵστημι ('to stand').
Historical & Contextual Notes
προστάτις is a rare term in extant Greek literature, attested primarily in Hellenistic and early Roman contexts, especially in inscriptions and documentary papyri where women occasionally acted as patrons or protectors of individuals, groups, or local communities. In the New Testament, the notable use is Romans 16:2, describing Phoebe, where the term designates her significant social and possibly official role as a benefactor and protector of others within the early assemblies. While English tradition renders the word as 'succourer' or 'helper', these do not fully convey its recognized role of financial, social, or civic patronage, which often entailed leadership, advocacy, and tangible support. In Greco-Roman society, a προστάτις could wield considerable influence within households, associations, or even the wider city, paralleling the male προστάτης but specifying feminine agency. Related terms include προστάτης (male patron, leader) and προστάτις as feminine counterpart; contrasted with διακόνος ('servant, deacon'), which emphasizes service rather than protective patronage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine of a derivative of προΐστημι; a patroness, i.e. assistant:--succourer.
Root Family
προστάτις (prostatis) — to stand before, to lead, to protect, to preside
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4368-01 |
προστάτις | prostatis | N NOM F SG |
a succourer/helper | female protector | female protector | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4368-01 |
Romans 16:2 | προστάτις | prostatis | N NOM F SG |
a succourer/helper | female protector | female protector |