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προμελετάω (promeletaō)

promeletaō

to premeditate

G4304 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The verb promeletō means to think through or plan something in advance. It combines a prefix meaning "before" with a root related to care or attention, suggesting a deliberate mental preparation before taking action. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Luke 14:28.

Jesus uses it when describing how a builder assesses the cost of a tower before laying its foundation. The term emphasizes practical foresight and careful calculation rather than abstract reflection. This usage highlights the importance of evaluating resources and consequences prior to undertaking a significant commitment.

Translators typically render this word as "count the cost" or "plan," capturing its sense of strategic preparation. The singular occurrence in Scripture underscores the specific context of discipleship, where following Jesus requires thoughtful consideration of what it entails.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word promeletō appears only once in the New Testament, found in Luke 14:28 where Jesus speaks of counting the cost before building a tower. It carries the sense of deliberate planning and careful calculation. This is not about anxiety or fear, but about wise stewardship of your time and resources.

When you face major decisions in life, this word invites you to pause and think through the implications. It encourages practical foresight, helping you avoid unnecessary difficulties by preparing ahead of time. Faith does not mean ignoring reality; it means trusting God while using the mind He gave you.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • to premeditate1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • προμελετᾶν1×

Frequently Asked Questions

What does promeletō mean in the Bible?

It means to premeditate or plan something in advance. The word combines a prefix meaning 'before' with a root related to care, suggesting deliberate mental preparation before action.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It occurs only once, in Luke 14:28. Jesus uses it when describing how a builder assesses the cost of a tower before laying its foundation.

How is it different from general planning?

While general planning might be casual, promeletō implies a serious, careful consideration of consequences. It emphasizes strategic preparation rather than abstract reflection.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)