προφθάνω (prophthanō)
prophthanō
to come before
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb prophthanō means to come before or to anticipate an event. It is formed from the prefix pro- ("before") and phthanō ("to reach" or "overtake"), literally describing arriving at a point in time ahead of others.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 17:25. In this passage, Peter tells Jesus that tax collectors normally pay their dues first, implying that the standard order is for subjects to pay before the king’s agents collect. The verb captures this sense of precedence or acting in advance.
Its usage highlights a simple chronological priority rather than a complex theological concept. Translators typically render it as "pay" or "collect first," focusing on the action of preceding others in a sequence. The word underscores the ordinary expectation that certain duties are fulfilled before being claimed by authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prophthanō describes arriving before others, a simple idea of precedence. In Matthew 17:25, Jesus uses this concept to teach Peter about authority and duty. By asking who pays taxes, Jesus shows that even He, as the King’s Son, respects the established order. This small detail reveals His humility and wisdom.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God often works through ordinary routines. You do not need grand gestures to honor Him. Following daily responsibilities with integrity reflects Christ’s own example. When you act faithfully in small things, you participate in God’s plan. This passage invites you to see your daily duties as opportunities for worship.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- anticipated1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προέφθασεν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 17:25
He said, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?”
Jesus uses the concept of coming before to illustrate that His subjects, like royal children, are exempt from tribute, yet He chooses to respect the social order.