προέπω (proepō)
proepō
to predict
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb proepō means to speak beforehand or declare in advance. It is formed from the prefix pro-, indicating "before," and epō, meaning "to say." In the New Testament, it carries a dual sense: it can refer to stating something previously mentioned in the text, or more commonly, to prophesying or predicting a future event with authority.
Its usage highlights the certainty of divine revelation. Paul employs it when warning believers about future moral failures, such as sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:6) and specific sins that exclude people from God’s kingdom (Galatians 5:21). In these contexts, the word functions as a solemn prophecy, asserting that what is written will inevitably come to pass. It also appears in eschatological warnings, such as Jesus’ prediction of false Christs (Mark 13:23), emphasizing that future events are not random but foretold.
Translators often render proepō as "forewarn," "predict," or "say beforehand." The word underscores the reliability of Scripture; what God says in advance proves true. It bridges the gap between past declaration and future fulfillment, assuring readers that divine promises and warnings are grounded in a known and certain outcome.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word proepō carries the weight of a solemn warning issued before an event occurs. When Paul uses it, he is not offering a vague possibility but stating a certain outcome based on divine authority. This certainty provides comfort because it means God’s Word is reliable and His warnings are precise.
In practical terms, this reminds us that our choices have real consequences. The forewarning in Galatians about behaviors like envy or drunkenness is not meant to scare us but to guide us toward life. Knowing the end result helps us make wise decisions today, trusting that God’s guidance leads to what is truly good.
Ultimately, these predictions show that nothing happens by chance. The same God who speaks ahead of time also provides the grace to live differently. We can face the future with peace, knowing that His Word stands firm and His care for us is steadfast.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we told before1×
- I warned before1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προεῖπον1×
- προείπαμεν1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 5:21
envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.
Paul uses this term to declare with authority that specific sinful behaviors will prevent people from inheriting the Kingdom, emphasizing the seriousness of moral choices.
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I Thessalonians 4:6
that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.
The word appears here to reinforce a previous teaching about sexual ethics, showing that the Lord’s judgment is certain and His warnings are trustworthy.