προτρέπω (protrepō)
protrepō
to encourage
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb protrepō means to urge someone forward or to encourage them in a specific direction. It carries the sense of active persuasion, where one person motivates another to take action or adopt a new course. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Acts 18:27.
In that instance, it describes how Apollos was encouraged by the believers in Ephesus to travel to Achaia. The sources note that this usage aligns with its broader meaning of exhortation or persuasion found in other ancient texts. The term emphasizes the supportive role of the community in advancing the mission of the gospel.
Its root combines a prefix indicating forward motion with a verb related to turning or guiding. This etymology highlights the dynamic nature of the encouragement—it is not passive support but an active pushing toward a goal. Translators typically render it as "encouraged," capturing the vital role of mutual support in early Christian communities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word protrepō describes a very specific kind of encouragement: one that moves people forward. It is not just a gentle pat on the back, but an active urging toward a goal. In Acts 18:27, we see this in action when believers in Ephesus encouraged Apollos to travel to Achaia. They did not merely wish him well; they actively supported his next step in the gospel mission.
This reminds us that Christian encouragement is often practical and directional. It involves helping others see where God might be leading them and giving them the support to go there. When we encourage someone, we are participating in God’s work by helping them move forward in faith. This active support strengthens the whole community and advances the message of grace.
May you find joy in offering this kind of forward-moving encouragement to others. Whether through a word, a resource, or practical help, your support can be a vital part of someone else’s journey with Christ. Let us be people who help others step into the next thing God has for them.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having encouraged [him]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προτρεψάμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 18:27
When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him; and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;
This is the only New Testament occurrence, showing how the early church actively urged a fellow worker to continue his mission in a new region.