προέχω (proechō)
proechō
to excel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb proechō describes having a position ahead of others, literally to hold something before oneself or to project forward. In its active sense, it can mean to excuse oneself, but in the New Testament it is used intransitively to signify excelling or surpassing competitors. The image is that of a runner who has taken the start and holds the lead, maintaining pre-eminence over those behind.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 3:9. Paul uses it to ask whether Jews have any advantage, answering that they do have a significant edge. The context highlights their privileged position in possessing God’s words and covenants. Here, the term does not imply moral superiority but rather a distinct standing or head start granted by divine choice.
Its root combines pro (“before”) and echō (“to have”). This construction emphasizes possession of a leading position rather than mere speed. Translators render it as “have an advantage” or “excel,” capturing the idea of a recognized superiority in status or opportunity that sets one group apart from another.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word proechō paints a picture of holding a lead, like a runner who has started ahead of the pack. In Romans 3:9, Paul uses this term to ask if Jews have an advantage over others. He answers that they do possess a distinct standing granted by God.
This advantage is not about moral superiority or being better than your neighbor. It refers to the privilege of receiving God’s words and covenants. For you, this reminds us that our spiritual position comes from God’s choice, not our own effort.
When we feel insecure about our standing before God, remember that He grants us a head start through His grace. We do not earn this lead; we receive it as a gift. This assurance allows us to rest in the security of His promises rather than striving for approval.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Are we better?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προεχόμεθα;1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 3:9
What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
Paul uses this term to clarify that the Jewish people possess a specific advantage rooted in divine revelation, not moral perfection.