from πρό and ἀκούω; to hear already,i.e. anticipate:--hear before.
Transliteration:proakoúō
Pronunciation:pro-ak-oo'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προακούω (proakoúō, `{{G4257}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρό (pro, `{{G4253}}`), meaning "before" or "in advance," and the verb ἀκούω (akouō, `{{G191}}`), meaning "to hear" or "to listen." Literally, it signifies "to hear before" or "to have heard already." Its core meaning therefore implies a prior reception of auditory information. The semantic range extends to the idea of anticipating or being forewarned by what has been heard. It is not merely the act of hearing, but the crucial temporal dimension of having heard something *in advance* or *previously*. This suggests a state of informedness or preparedness based on prior auditory input, often implying a revelation or communication that precedes a subsequent event or understanding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προακούω (proakoúō, `{{G4257}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of 2 Peter. The specific form used is the perfect active participle, προακηκοότων (proakēkoótōn), which emphasizes a completed action with ongoing results – "those who have heard beforehand."
In [[2 Peter 3:2]], the apostle Peter writes: "that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles." (ESV).
The context of this verse is Peter's exhortation to believers to recall and adhere to the established truth of God's revelation. He is addressing a community that is facing scoffers and doubts concerning the Lord's return. By reminding them of "the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets" and "the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles," Peter grounds their faith in a continuous and authoritative stream of divine communication.
The use of προακούω here is crucial. It underscores that the truths about God's plan, His judgments, and His coming are not new or sudden revelations, but have been consistently proclaimed. The believers are expected to have already heard these words through the prophetic tradition (Old Testament) and the apostolic teaching (New Testament foundation). This prior hearing creates a responsibility to remember, understand, and apply these truths, especially when confronted with skepticism or false teaching. It highlights the continuity and reliability of God's word across different dispensations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is ἀκούω (akouō, `{{G191}}`), the base verb for "to hear." This fundamental act of perception is modified by the prefix πρό (pro, `{{G4253}}`), which adds the crucial temporal element of "before" or "in advance."
Related concepts include:
* **Prophecy (προφητεία, prophēteia, `{{G4394}}`):** The divine communication of future events or God's will, often "heard beforehand" by the prophets and then proclaimed.
* **Revelation (ἀποκάλυψις, apokalypsis, `{{G602}}`):** God's unveiling of truth, which by its nature is often "heard beforehand" by those to whom it is first given.
* **Memory/Remembrance (μνημονεύω, mnēmoneuō, `{{G3421}}`):** Peter's use of προακούω directly precedes his call to "remember," indicating that prior hearing lays the groundwork for faithful remembrance and adherence.
* **Anticipation/Forewarning:** While not directly predictive of a future event, the act of "hearing beforehand" implies a state of being prepared or forewarned by the communicated truth.
* **Continuity of Divine Word:** The concept that God's message is consistent and unfolds progressively through history, from the prophets to the apostles.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of προακούω (proakoúō, `{{G4257}}`) in [[2 Peter 3:2]] carries significant theological weight.
1. **Authority of Divine Revelation:** The fact that words were "heard beforehand" by holy prophets and apostles establishes their divine origin and unassailable authority. It is not human speculation but God's self-disclosure, communicated through chosen vessels. This pre-existing body of truth forms the bedrock of Christian faith.
2. **Continuity of God's Plan:** The linking of prophetic and apostolic words through προακούω emphasizes the seamless nature of God's redemptive plan. The message delivered by the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles is not contradictory but consistent, revealing a unified divine purpose. This counters any notion of a fragmented or evolving divine will.
3. **Call to Remembrance and Steadfastness:** For believers, having "heard beforehand" implies a responsibility. It is not enough to have merely heard; one must remember and adhere to these foundational truths. In the face of doubt, false teaching, or the delay of the Lord's return, the previously heard word serves as an anchor, calling believers to steadfastness and obedience. It underscores the importance of catechesis and ongoing instruction in the faith.
4. **Divine Foreknowledge and Preparation:** Implicitly, προακούω speaks to God's foreknowledge and His gracious act of preparing His people. He does not leave humanity ignorant but reveals His plans and commands in advance, enabling His followers to live in light of His truth and anticipate His future actions.
### Summary
προακούω (proakoúō, `{{G4257}}`) literally means "to hear beforehand" or "to have heard already." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[2 Peter 3:2]] is profoundly significant, highlighting the authoritative and continuous nature of God's revelation. Peter uses this term to remind believers that the words of the holy prophets and the commandments of the Lord through the apostles were not new or novel, but truths they had already received. This "hearing beforehand" underscores the established foundation of Christian faith, emphasizing the divine authority and unified message of Scripture across dispensations. The theological implication is a powerful call to remember, adhere to, and live by these pre-revealed truths, providing stability and direction for believers in the face of skepticism and challenges. It affirms that God's people are not left without guidance, but are prepared and forewarned by His enduring and reliable Word.
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