πρωτεύω
prōteúō
G4409 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be first, to occupy the foremost position, to hold priority or preeminence, especially in rank, status, influence, or importance within a group or system. In Hellenistic and early Christian contexts, conveys the sense of having recognized authority, standing, or primacy over others. Broader semantic range includes the notion of leading, excelling, or surpassing others, not merely being literally 'first' in time.
Semantic Range
to occupy first place (in rank, status, or influence), to be foremost, to be preeminent or prominent, to excel or surpass others, to lead (in status), to have highest authority or importance
Root / Etymology
From the adjective πρῶτος ('first, foremost, earliest') with the verb-forming suffix -εύω, creating a denominative verb meaning 'to be first, to hold first place.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
πρωτεύω is attested rarely in classical Greek; its usage becomes more pronounced in Koine and later Greek. In New Testament context, found notably in Colossians 1:18 to express the preeminent status within the assembly or creation—underscoring primacy rather than temporal sequence. Unlike related verbs meaning 'to begin' or 'to start' (such as ἄρχομαι), πρωτεύω emphasizes ongoing status or recognized rank. English translations such as 'have the preeminence' or 'be supreme' are attempts to capture its primary connotation, but may not fully convey the nuance of recognized social or institutional rank foundational to Hellenistic communal life.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρῶτος; to be first (in rank or influence):--have the preeminence.
Root Family
πρωτεύω (prōteuō) — to be first, to hold primacy, to excel
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4409-01 |
πρωτεύων | proteuon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
preeminent | being foremost | being foremost | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4409-01 |
Colossians 1:18 | πρωτεύων | proteuon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
preeminent | being foremost | being foremost |