ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen)

emprosthen

before

G1715 · Greek · New Testament · 47 verses

Language: Koine Greek
Testament: New Testament
Occurrences: 47 verses
Root: —

Word Overview

The Greek word emprosthen primarily means "before" or "in front," describing a position that is opposite to or facing something else. Its literal sense is spatial, indicating that one object stands ahead of another, as when Jesus’ disciples go before Him into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28) or when John the Baptist declares he is not worthy to untie the sandal of the one coming after him (John 1:27). This physical placement often carries a sense of proximity and direct engagement.

Beyond simple location, the term frequently conveys the idea of being in someone’s presence or sight. It appears in contexts where actions are performed openly before an audience, such as giving alms publicly (Matthew 6:1) or standing before God’s judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10). In these instances, emprosthen emphasizes visibility and accountability, suggesting that what happens "before" is seen clearly by those watching.

The word also extends into abstract realms of rank and divine will. When John the Baptist speaks of Jesus’ superiority (John 1:30), he uses it to denote precedence in dignity rather than just time. Similarly, Jesus attributes his hidden wisdom to the Father’s pleasure "before" God (Matthew 11:26), linking the concept to theological authority. This range from physical frontage to spiritual precedence gives the word a rich depth in biblical narrative.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word emprosthen places us in the presence of others and, ultimately, before God. It describes standing face-to-face, whether with a neighbor, a crowd, or the Creator. This spatial reality reminds us that our lives are visible. We do not act in secret shadows; our actions unfold in the open, witnessed by those around us and known fully by Him.

Jesus uses this concept to guide how we live among people. He invites us to let our good works shine before others, not for our own applause, but so that observers might see God’s goodness reflected in us. It is a call to transparency and integrity. When we stand before the Father, our motives are laid bare, offering us a chance to align our hearts with His will.

This awareness brings both accountability and comfort. Accountability because we know we are seen; comfort because we serve a God who values truth over performance. Let this truth encourage you to live openly, trusting that your faithful steps in the light are noticed and cherished by the One who holds all things together.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 47 verses where it appears, by frequency.

before43×
precedence2×
ahead2×
of1×
in front1×
front1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

ἔμπροσθεν40×
ἔμπροσθέν10×

Key Verses

Matthew 5:16
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

This verse uses the word to describe the visibility of good works, linking public action directly to the glory given to God rather than human praise.
Matthew 10:32
Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.

Here the term highlights the relational bond of confession, showing that acknowledging Christ before people establishes a reciprocal acknowledgment by Him before the Father.
Luke 5:19
Not finding a way to bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop and let him down through the tiles with his cot into the middle before Jesus.

The physical lowering of the paralytic before Jesus illustrates how proximity to Christ allows for direct access and healing amidst a crowd.
Matthew 6:1
“Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Jesus warns against performing acts of charity merely to be seen by others, using the word to distinguish between public spectacle and private devotion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word emprosthen mean?

Emprosthen primarily means 'before,' 'in front of,' or 'in the presence of.' It describes a spatial relationship where one entity is positioned opposite or ahead of another. In the New Testament, it often carries the sense of being visible to or accountable before someone else.

How is emprosthen different from pro before?

While both can mean 'before,' emprosthen emphasizes facing something directly or being in its immediate presence. Pro more often indicates movement toward or a position ahead in time or space. Emprosthen tends to highlight the visibility and relational aspect of standing face-to-face.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears 47 times in the New Testament, mostly in the Gospels. Key occurrences include Matthew 5:16, where believers are told to let their light shine before men, and Luke 5:19, where the paralytic is brought down before Jesus.

Does this word refer to time or position?

It primarily refers to physical position or presence. While it can imply precedence in rank (as in John 1:30), its core usage is spatial, describing someone standing in front of or in the sight of another person or object.

Every Occurrence (47 verses across 11 books)

Matthew 16 verses

Matthew 5:16

Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:24

leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer…

Matthew 6:1

“Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from…

Matthew 6:2

Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues…

Matthew 7:6

“Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them…

Matthew 10:32

Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 10:33

But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 11:10

For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before…

Matthew 11:26

Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.

Matthew 17:2

He was changed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.

Matthew 18:14

Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Matthew 23:13

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers.…

Matthew 25:32

Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the…

Matthew 26:70

But he denied it before them all, saying, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

Matthew 27:11

Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to…

Matthew 27:29

They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him…

Mark 3 verses

Luke 9 verses

John 6 verses

Acts 2 verses

II Corinthians 1 verse

Galatians 1 verse

Philippians 1 verse

I Thessalonians 4 verses

I John 1 verse

Revelation of John 3 verses