προφέρω (propherō)
propherō
to bring out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prophērō literally means to bring something forth or to produce it. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 6:45, where Jesus uses it to describe the natural output of a person’s inner life.
Its structure combines a prefix meaning "forth" with a root meaning "to carry." This creates an image of drawing something from within and presenting it outwardly. The source notes link this usage to the idea that what is stored inside will eventually be brought out, specifically when speaking about words or actions emerging from the heart.
This single occurrence highlights how internal character determines external expression. Just as a good tree bears good fruit, the heart’s condition dictates what is produced. The word emphasizes the inevitable result of what lies within, rather than the effort to hide it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prophērō paints a simple but profound picture: you cannot keep what is inside you hidden forever. It means to bring forth or carry out, suggesting that our inner life naturally overflows into our words and actions. Just as a well must produce water, a heart full of kindness will eventually speak with grace. This isn't about performing for others; it is about the inevitable result of what we truly hold dear.
Jesus uses this image in Luke 6:45 to show that our speech reveals our true condition. If your heart is filled with love and truth, those things will come out. If it is filled with bitterness, that too will surface. This offers hope because it means change starts within. By tending to what you store in your heart—through prayer, Scripture, and community—you naturally begin to bring forth good things into the world around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- brings forth2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προφέρει2×
Key Verses
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Luke 6:45
The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.
This verse uses prophērō to illustrate that speech is the unavoidable overflow of a person's inner moral state.