προάγω (proagō)
proagō
to go/bring before
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb proagō literally means to lead forward or go before. In the New Testament, it appears in two distinct ways: actively leading someone else, or intransitively going ahead oneself. When used transitively, it often describes bringing a person forward for a specific purpose. For example, in Acts 16:30, the jailer leads Paul and Silas out of prison, while in Acts 25:26, King Agrippa brings Paul before the court to hear his case.
When used intransitively, the word simply means to precede or go on ahead. This sense is clear when Jesus tells his disciples he will go before them into Galilee (Matthew 28:7), or when crowds go ahead of him during his entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9). The contrast with following is sharp; in Mark 11:9, the palm branches are spread by those who went before and those who followed behind.
Its root combines pro- ("before") and agō ("to lead"). This construction emphasizes position and direction. Whether leading a prisoner to trial or walking ahead of a crowd, the word highlights movement from one place to another with clear intent. Translators typically render it as "go before" or "lead forth," capturing both the physical act of moving ahead and the authority involved in directing others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word proagō describes movement with clear direction, whether leading someone else or going ahead oneself. In Matthew 28:7, the angel tells the women that Jesus goes before them into Galilee after rising from the dead. This image offers comfort when we feel lost or uncertain about the path ahead. It reminds us that our leader is already there, preparing the way for us.
When we face difficult seasons, this word encourages us to trust in divine guidance. Whether Jesus leads a crowd or a prisoner stands before a king, the focus remains on purposeful movement toward a destination. We can rest in the knowledge that God directs our steps with intention and care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- going before3×
- to go before2×
- I will go before2×
- He goes before2×
- while is preceding1×
- was going before1×
- to bring out1×
- to bring forth1×
- is progressing1×
- having brought1×
- going on before1×
- going before [them]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προάγοντες3×
- προάξω2×
- προάγων2×
- προάγειν2×
- προάγει2×
- προαγαγεῖν2×
- προῆγεν1×
- προήγαγον1×
- προάγουσιν1×
- προάγουσαι1×
- προαγούσης1×
- προαγούσας1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 28:7
Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.”
This verse highlights Jesus' resurrection promise to go ahead of his disciples, offering hope and reassurance of his presence.
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Acts 16:30
brought them out, and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
The jailer brings Paul and Silas out, showing how this word can describe leading someone toward a moment of decision or salvation.
-
Mark 10:32
They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going in front of them, and they were amazed; and those who followed were afraid. He again took the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were going to happen to him.
Jesus goes in front of the amazed disciples on the way to Jerusalem, emphasizing his role as the one who leads through suffering and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does proagō mean in the New Testament?
How is proagō different from other words for leading?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (20 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 6 verses
They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them until…
Matthew 14:22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the…
Matthew 21:9The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed…
Matthew 21:31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell…
Matthew 26:32But after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”
Matthew 28:7Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you…