προβαίνω (probainō)
probainō
to advance
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb probainō means to move forward or advance in space and time. In the Gospels, it describes physical movement, such as when Jesus sees James and John mending their nets and simply walking on (Matthew 4:21; Mark 1:19). The word captures a sense of steady progress rather than a sudden leap.
It is also used metaphorically to describe aging. In Luke’s Gospel, it appears twice in the context of growing older: Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth are described as advanced in years (Luke 1:7), and Anna the prophetess is noted as being very old (Luke 2:36). Here, the word conveys the natural passage of time and the physical reality of life’s later stages.
Etymologically, probainō combines a prefix meaning "forward" with a root related to going or stepping. This structure reinforces its core sense of progression. Translators typically render it as "went on," "advanced," or "grew old," depending on whether the context is physical movement or the passage of time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word probainō carries a simple but profound sense of forward motion. In the Gospels, it describes Jesus walking steadily along the shore to call His disciples, showing a purposeful progression in His mission. It also marks the natural passage of time in the lives of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Anna, acknowledging that life moves from youth into maturity and old age.
This word reminds us that growth is often gradual. Whether we are advancing in our faith or simply aging, there is dignity in steady progress. The biblical narrative does not shy away from the realities of time passing; instead, it honors those who have walked a long way, like Anna, whose years were filled with faithful waiting and worship.
For your own journey, this word offers comfort. You do not need to rush or force outcomes. God is present in the steady steps of daily life, whether you are moving toward a new calling or simply enduring the quiet seasons of later years. Trust that every step forward, no matter how small, is seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having advanced3×
- having gone on2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προβὰς2×
- προβεβηκυῖα2×
- προβεβηκότες1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:21
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.
This verse shows the word describing Jesus' physical movement as He continues His journey to call more disciples, highlighting purposeful progression.
-
Luke 1:7
But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.
Here the term indicates that Zechariah and Elizabeth had reached an advanced age, establishing the context for the miraculous nature of their later pregnancy.
-
Luke 2:36
There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,
The word underscores Anna's long life and faithful endurance, showing how she spent her many years in temple worship while waiting for redemption.