προκαταγγέλλω (prokatangellō)
prokatangellō
to foretell
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prokatangellō means to announce something in advance. It combines a prefix meaning "before" with a root meaning "to proclaim." In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the book of Acts, carrying a sense of formal preannouncement.
In Acts 3:18, Peter uses this word to say that God announced beforehand through the prophets that the Messiah would suffer. Here, it links current events to ancient prophecy, showing that what is happening was known and declared ahead of time. In Acts 7:52, Stephen accuses his listeners of resisting the Holy Spirit by killing those who previously foretold the coming of the Righteous One.
This term emphasizes the reliability of divine revelation. It is not merely a guess or a vague prediction; it is a clear, early declaration that later comes to pass. By using this word, the biblical authors highlight that God’s plans are established and communicated before they unfold in history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels chaotic or when events seem to catch us by surprise, it is comforting to remember that God has a voice that speaks before the moment arrives. The word prokatangellō describes this divine preannouncement. It is not a vague guess or a lucky hunch, but a clear declaration made in advance. In Acts 3:18, Peter points out that the suffering of Christ was not a sudden accident. God announced it through the prophets long before it happened, showing that history moves according to His purposeful plan.
This reliability extends to our own walk with Him. Just as the early believers faced persecution from those who rejected the message, we too may encounter resistance when we stand for truth. Yet Stephen reminds us in Acts 7:52 that this opposition is not new. The prophets of old were also resisted, yet their words remained true. We can trust that God’s promises are established and communicated before they unfold, giving us stability in uncertain times.
Your faith rests on a God who knows the end from the beginning. When you feel overwhelmed by the unknown, look back at how faithfully He has kept His word in the past. This assurance invites you to rest in His sovereignty rather than fearing what you cannot see. May you find peace in knowing that your life is held within His foreknown and loving plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having foretold1×
- foretold1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προκατήγγειλεν1×
- προκαταγγείλαντας1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 3:18
But the things which God announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.
Peter uses this term to show that the Messiah's suffering was not a surprise but a fulfilled prophecy announced in advance.
-
Acts 7:52
Which of the prophets didn’t your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.
Stephen highlights the historical pattern of rejecting God's messengers, noting that the prophets previously foretold the arrival of the Righteous One.