προερέω (proereō)
proereō
to predict
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb proereō means to speak beforehand, carrying the sense of saying something in advance or declaring it publicly. It functions as an alternative form of proeipō, appearing nine times in the New Testament with a focus on foretelling events or stating truths prior to their occurrence. The word appears in key passages such as Matthew 24:25 and Romans 9:29, where it introduces prophetic statements about future realities.
Its root components combine pro (before) with ereō (to say), emphasizing temporal precedence. In usage, it often introduces direct quotations of prophecy, as seen in Acts 1:16 and Jude 17, where earlier declarations are cited to explain current situations. The term also appears in Galatians 5:21 and 1 Thessalonians 4:6, where Paul references prior warnings about moral conduct. This usage highlights its role in connecting past divine utterances with present circumstances.
Translators typically render proereō as "said before" or "foretold," capturing its anticipatory nature. The word’s presence in both Gospel accounts and apostolic letters underscores its importance in establishing continuity between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment. Its consistent use in introducing cited prophecies demonstrates how early Christian writers viewed their message as the continuation of earlier divine speech.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word proereō reminds us that God’s promises are not spontaneous reactions to human failure, but part of a faithful plan established long ago. When Scripture says something was "said beforehand," it anchors our present struggles in the certainty of divine foresight. This is not abstract theology; it is the comfort of knowing that what you face today was anticipated by God yesterday.
In passages like Matthew 24:25, Jesus uses this term to prepare His followers for coming trials. He does not leave them surprised or abandoned. Instead, He speaks in advance so they can stand firm when events unfold. This anticipatory speech builds trust, showing that the future is held securely in God’s hands.
Similarly, Jude 1:17 urges believers to remember what the apostles said before. These past warnings are not outdated history but living guidance for current conduct. By recalling these earlier declarations, we find stability. The continuity between past prophecy and present reality assures us that God remains consistent, offering peace rather than panic in uncertain times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- spoken beforehand2×
- we have said before,1×
- it has been predicted,1×
- has foretold1×
- I have warned1×
- I have foretold [it]1×
- I have foretold1×
- I have before said1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προείρηκα4×
- προειρημένων2×
- προείρηται,1×
- προείρηκεν1×
- προειρήκαμεν,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 24:25
“Behold, I have told you beforehand.
Jesus uses this term to prepare His disciples for future tribulation, ensuring they are not caught off guard by coming events.
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Romans 9:29
As Isaiah has said before, “Unless the Lord of Armies had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom, and would have been made like Gomorrah.”
Paul cites Isaiah to show that God’s judgment and preservation of a remnant were declared long before Israel’s current state.
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Jude 1:17
But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The author reminds readers of apostolic warnings spoken previously, linking past truth to the urgent need for vigilance in the present.