προτρέχω
protréchō
G4390 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To run ahead or move forward rapidly before others; to go in advance, to outpace or overtake by running. In the context of narrative, describes physical movement ahead of another person or group, and, by extension, to precede someone in action or arrival.
Semantic Range
to run ahead, to outrun, to go before by running, to precede (by running), to reach a place before someone else
Root / Etymology
Compound of πρό ('before, ahead of') and τρέχω ('to run'); literally, 'to run before'. Both parts are of native Greek origin.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical and Koine Greek, προτρέχω is primarily used in a literal sense to indicate someone running ahead of another, often in the context of racing or intentional action to overtake or position oneself in advance (see, e.g., athletic contests, military movement, or narrative sequences). In the New Testament (cf. John 20:4), it depicts a disciple physically outrunning another to reach a location first. The word is not common in the Septuagint, and its meaning does not develop notable metaphorical nuance during the Koine period; it retains the core spatial and temporal sense of 'going ahead by running.' Standard English translations ('run before,' 'outrun') capture the direct, physical action but may understate nuances of advancement or priority sometimes implied in narrative contexts. Related terms: προάγω ('to lead forward, bring before'), προέρχομαι ('to go before'), but προτρέχω emphasizes speed and the act of running, not merely advance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρό and τρέχω (including its alternate); to run forward, i.e. outstrip, precede:--outrun, run before.
Root Family
προτρέχω (protrechō) — to run, to run ahead, to move ahead, to precede by running
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4390-02 |
προέδραμεν | proedramen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
ran ahead | ran ahead | ran ahead | 1 |
G4390-01 |
προδραμὼν | prodramon | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
he ran ahead | having run ahead | having run ahead | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences