προηγέομαι (proēgeomai)
proēgeomai
to prefer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb proēgeomai literally means "to lead forward," combining a prefix for "before" with a root for "leading." In classical Greek, it described a military commander or guide who went ahead to show the way. In the New Testament, this sense of active leadership appears in Romans 12:10, where believers are urged to honor one another by giving precedence.
Its most distinctive usage occurs in Philippians 2:3 and 1 Thessalonians 5:13, where it takes on the specific nuance of "preferring" others. Here, the word does not imply selfish ambition but rather a deliberate choice to value someone else’s interests above one’s own. It describes a humility that actively steps back so another may step forward.
This usage highlights a counter-cultural form of leadership. Instead of seeking status, the leader serves by elevating others. The term captures the essence of Christian community: not competing for prominence, but willingly yielding place to foster unity and mutual respect among believers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word proēgeomai carries a rich history of leadership, originally describing someone who leads others forward or goes ahead to show the way. In the New Testament, this active sense of guiding transforms into a beautiful call for mutual respect among believers. It suggests that true honor involves actively choosing to value others above yourself, creating space for them to shine.
When we look at Romans 12:10, we see this principle in action. Believers are urged to prefer one another in honor, which means deliberately stepping back so others can step forward. This is not about diminishing your own worth, but about embracing a humility that strengthens the entire community. It invites us to find joy in elevating those around us.
This approach to relationships offers a refreshing alternative to the world’s competitive nature. By choosing to honor others first, we reflect the selfless love of Christ. It is an invitation to build connections grounded in genuine care and mutual upliftment, fostering unity and peace within our circles of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- esteeming,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προηγούμενοι,1×
Key Verses
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Romans 12:10
In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another,
This verse uniquely applies the term to interpersonal relationships, urging believers to actively choose honor for one another rather than seeking personal prominence.