### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προαμαρτάνω (proamartánō, `{{G4258}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρό (pro, `{{G4253}}`), meaning "before" or "previously," and the verb ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō, `{{G264}}`), meaning "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to sin." Therefore, the core meaning of προαμαρτάνω is "to sin previously" or "to have sinned beforehand." This word carries a distinct temporal nuance, highlighting that the act of sin occurred at an earlier point in time relative to a specific reference event or present circumstance. While the Strong's definition suggests "to sin previously (to conversion)," its biblical usage demonstrates a broader application of "previous" in relation to a specific moment of reckoning, repentance, or knowledge. The emphasis is on a past pattern or specific acts of sin that remain unaddressed or have led to a current state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προαμαρτάνω (proamartánō, `{{G4258}}`) appears in the New Testament in two significant passages:
* **[[2 Corinthians 12:21]]**: Here, Paul expresses his fear that upon his return to Corinth, he will find some who "have sinned already" (προαμαρτάνω) and have not repented of their impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality. The "previously" in this context refers to the time leading up to Paul's anticipated third visit. It speaks of a prior lifestyle or specific acts of sin committed by members of the Corinthian church *before* Paul's arrival, which they had not yet repented of. This highlights Paul's concern for ongoing, unaddressed sin within the believing community, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance for past transgressions. The implication is that these individuals, despite their profession of faith, continued in or failed to renounce their former sinful ways.
* **[[2 Peter 2:21]]**: This verse uses the perfect participle "having sinned previously" (προαμαρτάνω) in a severe condemnation of those who, having known the way of righteousness, turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. The "previous sin" here refers to the state of unrighteousness or the pattern of sin from which they were ostensibly delivered when they "knew the way of righteousness." The context is apostasy, where individuals return to their former corrupt ways after experiencing some form of enlightenment. The use of προαμαρτάνω underscores the gravity of their turning back, implying that their return to sin is a re-engagement with a state they had supposedly left behind, making their latter state worse than the first. It highlights a prior state of sinfulness from which they did not truly depart, or to which they willfully returned.
In both instances, the word emphasizes a temporal aspect of sin, whether it is unrepented sin leading up to a moment of accountability ([[2 Corinthians 12:21]]) or a return to a former sinful state after having known the truth ([[2 Peter 2:21]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The core of προαμαρτάνω (proamartánō, `{{G4258}}`) lies in its root, ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō, `{{G264}}`), which is the fundamental New Testament term for "to sin" or "to miss the mark." Related nouns for sin include ἁμαρτία (hamartia, `{{G265}}`), meaning "sin" as a noun, and ἀνομία (anomia, `{{G458}}`), denoting "lawlessness" or disregard for God's law. Other terms for specific types of transgression include παράπτωμα (paraptōma, `{{G3900}}`), a "trespass" or "false step," and παράβασις (parabasis, `{{G3847}}`), a "transgression" or "overstepping a boundary."
The prefix πρό (pro, `{{G4253}}`) is crucial, indicating priority in time. This temporal aspect connects προαμαρτάνω to concepts of one's past life, former conduct, and the state of being before a significant event such as conversion, spiritual awakening, or divine judgment. The word inherently brings into focus the necessity of repentance (μετάνοια, metanoia, `{{G3341}}`) for past sins and the concept of perseverance in righteousness to avoid backsliding.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of προαμαρτάνω (proamartánō, `{{G4258}}`) lies in its emphasis on the temporal dimension of sin and its implications for spiritual accountability and salvation.
1. **The Reality of Unaddressed Past Sin**: In [[2 Corinthians 12:21]], the word highlights that even within a professing Christian community, there can be individuals who persist in or have not genuinely repented of sins committed previously. This underscores the demand for thorough and ongoing repentance for all aspects of one's life, not merely a one-time conversion experience. It implies that unrepented past sins can hinder spiritual growth and invite divine discipline.
2. **The Gravity of Apostasy and Backsliding**: [[2 Peter 2:21]] uses προαμαρτάνω to describe the profound seriousness of those who, having received knowledge of the truth, revert to a sinful way of life. It suggests that their "previous sin" is not merely a forgotten past but a state to which they return, making their spiritual condition worse than before. This emphasizes the critical importance of perseverance in faith and obedience, warning against the dangers of superficial commitment or willful turning away from God's revealed will.
3. **Divine Patience and Coming Judgment**: The very mention of "sinned previously" implies a period of grace during which repentance was possible. However, the contexts in both passages suggest that this period of grace is not indefinite. For those who remain unrepentant ([[2 Corinthians 12:21]]) or willfully turn back ([[2 Peter 2:21]]), the word foreshadows a coming judgment or increased severity of consequence.
4. **The Call to Transformation**: Ultimately, προαμαρτάνω serves as a reminder that the Christian life involves a decisive break from past sinful patterns and a continuous walk in righteousness. It challenges believers to examine their lives for any unconfessed or unrenounced "previous sins" and to embrace the transformative power of the Gospel fully.
### Summary
προαμαρτάνω (proamartánō, `{{G4258}}`) signifies "to have sinned previously" or "to sin beforehand." This rare but potent New Testament term emphasizes the temporal dimension of sin, referring to transgressions committed prior to a specific point of reference, such as a moment of accountability or a period of enlightenment. In [[2 Corinthians 12:21]], it highlights the concern over unrepented past sins within the church, urging genuine repentance for former impurity and immorality. In [[2 Peter 2:21]], it underscores the severe spiritual state of those who, having known God's truth, revert to their former sinful ways, making their apostasy more grievous. The word serves as a solemn reminder of the need for thorough repentance for all past transgressions and the critical importance of perseverance in righteousness to avoid returning to a life of sin. It calls believers to a continuous and sincere commitment to Christ, leaving behind all "previous sins" and walking in newness of life.
TRV