πρίν (prin)
prin
before
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word prin functions primarily as an adverb meaning "before" or "formerly." In the New Testament, it appears in thirteen verses, with notable usage in the Gospels of Matthew and John, as well as in Acts. It serves to mark a point in time that precedes another event, establishing a clear chronological sequence for the reader.
Its grammatical behavior shifts depending on the sentence structure. After positive statements, it often introduces an infinitive clause, as seen when Jesus predicts Peter’s denial before the rooster crows (Matthew 26:34). In negative contexts, it is frequently paired with ē to mean "before not" or "until," creating a sense of anticipation for what has yet to occur. This flexibility allows it to handle both simple temporal markers and more complex logical conditions.
Translators typically render prin as "before," though the context sometimes requires "until" to convey the full force of the negative construction. Its presence in key narratives, such as the prediction of Peter’s denial or statements about Jesus’ pre-existence (John 8:58), highlights its role in framing theological truths within a historical timeline. The word anchors events in time, helping readers understand the order and significance of divine actions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prin anchors us in time, reminding us that God’s plans unfold with perfect precision. In Matthew 26:34, Jesus uses it to predict Peter’s denial before the rooster crows. This detail shows that nothing catches God off guard; He knows our weaknesses and loves us anyway. When we feel overwhelmed by past failures or uncertain about tomorrow, this temporal marker offers comfort. We are held within a timeline where every moment is known and purposeful.
John 8:58 takes this concept further, declaring Jesus’ existence before Abraham. Here, prin points to eternity, showing that Christ transcends time itself. For believers, this means our faith rests on a Savior who is not bound by human limits. Whether facing immediate trials or pondering eternal truths, we can trust the One who holds history in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- before9×
- Before2×
- before [the]1×
- Before [the]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πρὶν13×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:34
Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
This verse uses prin to set a precise deadline for Peter’s denial, highlighting Jesus’ foreknowledge of human frailty.
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John 8:58
Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM.”
Here the word establishes Christ’s pre-existence, asserting His divine identity before the patriarch Abraham was born.
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Luke 2:26
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Simeon’s promise relies on this temporal marker to assure him he would see the Messiah before his own death.
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John 14:29
Now I have told you before it happens so that when it happens, you may believe.
Jesus uses it to explain why He shared His plans in advance, aiming to strengthen the disciples’ faith when events unfolded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word prin mean?
How is prin different from other words for 'before'?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,…
Matthew 26:34Jesus said to him, “Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”
Matthew 26:75Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then…