προκόπτω (prokoptō)
prokoptō
to advance
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prokoptō describes a steady, forward movement, originally evoking the image of a pioneer hacking a path through dense brush or a smith forging metal by beating it into shape. In the New Testament, this sense of active progress is applied to personal growth and the passage of time. It suggests that advancement is not passive but requires effort and direction.
Scripture uses this word to highlight spiritual maturity and the relentless march of time. Luke notes Jesus’ increasing wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52), while Paul describes his own rapid progress in Judaism before his conversion (Galatians 1:14). The term also appears in warnings about those who make further inroads into error (2 Timothy 3:13) and the idea that time is moving toward its end (Romans 13:12).
Translators often render prokoptō as "advance," "progress," or "make headway." The underlying imagery emphasizes that true growth involves breaking through resistance. Whether describing a child’s development or the urgency of the present hour, the word conveys a dynamic force that pushes boundaries and moves toward a goal.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prokoptō paints a picture of steady, forward movement, like a pathbreaker clearing brush or a smith shaping metal. It reminds us that spiritual growth is not passive; it requires effort and direction. When we read of Jesus increasing in wisdom and stature, we see a model of balanced development—growing in knowledge, physical health, and relationship with God.
This active progress applies to our own lives as well. Just as time moves relentlessly toward its goal, so too does our faith journey demand intentional steps forward. We are invited to embrace this dynamic force, knowing that true growth involves breaking through resistance and moving toward the purpose God has for us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will advance1×
- was continuing to advance1×
- they will lead1×
- they will advance1×
- is nearly over1×
- I was advancing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προκόψουσιν3×
- προέκοψεν1×
- προέκοπτον1×
- προέκοπτεν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
This verse shows Jesus’ holistic advancement in wisdom, stature, and favor, modeling balanced spiritual growth.
-
Galatians 1:14
I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
Paul describes his rapid progress in Judaism before conversion, highlighting how zeal can drive significant personal advancement.
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II Timothy 3:13
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
This warning illustrates that evil also advances, showing the word’s application to moral decline and deception.