προλέγω (prolegō)
prolegō
to foretell
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prolegō means to speak or declare something in advance, serving as a formal forewarning. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, primarily in Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians, Corinthians, and Galatians. Rather than casual prediction, this word carries the weight of an authoritative announcement made before events unfold.
Its structure combines pro ("before") with legō ("to say"), creating a clear sense of pre-announcement. The sources highlight its use in contexts where Paul reminds believers of past warnings, such as when he notes that he had previously told the Thessalonians they would face persecution (1 Thessalonians 3:4). It also appears in lists of behaviors that exclude people from God’s kingdom, framing these moral boundaries as declared beforehand (Galatians 5:21; 2 Corinthians 13:2).
This term distinguishes itself by emphasizing the prior nature of the statement. While other words might describe general prophecy or inspiration, prolegō focuses on the temporal aspect: the truth was spoken before the reality occurred. Translators often render it as "forewarn" or "tell beforehand," capturing this specific emphasis on advance notice rather than mystical insight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prolegō reminds us that God’s warnings are never surprises. When Paul tells the Thessalonians he had previously foretold their suffering, he is not reporting a vague hope but a specific promise made in advance. This gives comfort because it shows that your trials are known to God before they happen. He does not catch you off guard; He has already spoken truth into your future.
Similarly, when Paul lists behaviors that exclude people from the Kingdom, he is not setting arbitrary rules but recalling a clear boundary announced long ago. This clarity protects us. It allows believers to walk with confidence, knowing exactly what God has said about sin and holiness. The past announcement becomes a present guide for daily living.
Ultimately, this word points to the reliability of Scripture. What God says beforehand always comes to pass. This steadiness invites you to rest in His faithfulness, even when circumstances feel uncertain or difficult.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we were telling beforehand1×
- foretold1×
- I warn,1×
- I forewarn1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προλέγω,1×
- προλέγω1×
- προεῖπεν1×
- προελέγομεν1×
Key Verses
-
I Thessalonians 3:4
For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.
Paul uses this word to confirm that his earlier prediction of suffering was fulfilled exactly as he had spoken it.
-
Galatians 5:21
envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.
The term emphasizes that the exclusion from the Kingdom for such sins was declared in advance, not invented on the spot.
-
II Corinthians 13:2
I have warned previously, and I warn again, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now and to all the rest that if I come again, I will not spare,
Paul repeats this forewarning to show consistency between his past words and his current stance against unrepentant sin.