προχειροτονέω (procheirotoneō)
procheirotoneō
to choose
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb procheirotoneō means to choose or appoint someone in advance. It combines a prefix meaning "before" with a root related to raising up by hand, which in biblical usage signifies ordination or official selection. This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 10:41.
In this specific instance, the text states that God chose Jesus beforehand to be a witness to the resurrection. The emphasis is on divine initiative and pre-selection rather than human decision. By using this term, the author highlights that Jesus’ role was established by God prior to the events of his earthly ministry, underscoring the intentional nature of his mission.
Translators typically render this word as "chose" or "appointed beforehand." The rare usage in Scripture focuses on the theological weight of God’s prior knowledge and choice, rather than the mechanics of the selection process itself. This single occurrence anchors the concept of divine election within the narrative of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word procheirotoneō describes a choice made in advance, highlighting that God’s plans are not reactive but intentional. In Acts 10:41, this term reveals that Jesus was chosen before His ministry began to be the primary witness of the resurrection. This shows us that our faith rests on a foundation established by God long before history unfolded.
For your life today, this means you are part of a story where God takes the initiative. He does not wait for circumstances to force His hand; He acts with purpose and love. Knowing that Christ was appointed beforehand gives confidence that God is sovereign over time and eternity.
This assurance invites us to rest in His timing. When we feel uncertain about our path, we can remember that the One who chose Jesus also knows us personally. His foreknowledge is not distant but deeply caring, offering hope and stability in every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- chosen beforehand1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προκεχειροτονημένοις1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 10:41
not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
This verse uses the word to emphasize that Jesus' role as resurrection witness was a divine appointment made before His earthly ministry, not a human decision.