### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4260 probaínō is a compound word formed from the preposition πρό (`{{G4253}}`), meaning "before" or "forward," and the verb βαίνω (`{{G939}}`), meaning "to go" or "to walk." Etymologically, it signifies "to go forward" or "to advance." Its semantic range encompasses both literal and figurative movement. In its literal sense, it denotes physical progression from one point to another. More notably in the New Testament, it extends metaphorically to describe advancement in time, specifically "to advance in years" or "to be well-stricken in age." This latter usage emphasizes a significant passage of time, often implying an advanced or venerable stage of life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4260 probaínō appears five times in the New Testament, with a notable distribution that highlights its primary metaphorical usage.
1. **Literal Progression:**
* [[Matthew 4:21]]: "And going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother..." Here, probaínō describes Jesus' physical movement along the coast of Galilee as He continues His ministry, indicating a spatial advancement.
* [[Mark 1:19]]: "And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother..." This parallel account in Mark similarly depicts literal, spatial progression, emphasizing the continuation of Jesus' journey and calling of disciples.
2. **Advancement in Age:**
* [[Luke 1:7]]: "But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years." This is a crucial instance, describing Zechariah and Elizabeth as being "well advanced in their days," highlighting their old age and the apparent impossibility of conceiving a child naturally.
* [[Luke 1:18]]: "Zechariah said to the angel, 'How will I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.'" Zechariah reiterates their advanced age as a basis for his doubt, underscoring the miraculous nature of the promised birth of John the Baptist. The repetition emphasizes the human impossibility of the situation.
* [[Luke 2:36]]: "And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity..." Here, Anna is described as being "of a great age," indicating her venerable status and long life dedicated to temple service. Her advanced age lends weight to her prophetic witness concerning the infant Jesus.
The Lukan contexts clearly dominate the usage of probaínō to signify advanced age, setting the stage for divine intervention in circumstances that defy natural expectation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core components of G4260 probaínō provide insight into its meaning. The root verb βαίνω (`{{G939}}`) is a general term for "to go" or "to walk," from which many compounds related to movement are derived. The prefix πρό (`{{G4253}}`) consistently conveys a sense of "forward," "before," or "in front of." This etymological foundation underpins the dual sense of physical and temporal advancement.
Other related concepts include:
* **Time and Age:** The New Testament uses various terms to describe age, such as πρεσβύτερος (`{{G4245}}`, "elder" or "older"), which often denotes respect or leadership based on age. probaínō specifically emphasizes the *process* of advancing in years, rather than just the state of being old.
* **Divine Intervention:** In the Lukan narratives, the concept of advanced age is closely linked to God's miraculous power to overcome human limitations and fulfill His promises, often in unexpected ways and at unexpected times.
* **Progression:** Whether literal or metaphorical, the word always implies movement from one state or point to another, signifying development or continuation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4260 probaínō is most pronounced in Luke's Gospel, where it serves as a crucial element in establishing the miraculous nature of John the Baptist's birth and, by extension, the subsequent birth of Jesus. By repeatedly emphasizing that Zechariah and Elizabeth were "advanced in years" ([[Luke 1:7]], [[Luke 1:18]]), Luke highlights the human impossibility of their conceiving a child. This sets the stage for God's sovereign power to intervene in human affairs, demonstrating that His plans are not constrained by natural limitations or the passage of time. The miraculous birth to an elderly couple serves as a powerful sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ability to bring life from seemingly barren circumstances.
Similarly, Anna's description as "advanced in years" ([[Luke 2:36]]) underscores her long life of devotion and her credible witness to the Messiah. Her age adds a layer of venerable authority to her prophetic declaration, reinforcing the divine authenticity of Jesus' identity. In these contexts, probaínō contributes to a theology of divine timing and the supernatural fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, reminding believers that God's power is made perfect in weakness and that He works according to His own perfect timetable. The word, therefore, subtly points to the sovereign hand of God orchestrating salvation history.
### Summary
The Greek word G4260 probaínō, meaning "to go forward" or "to advance," carries both literal and significant metaphorical weight in the New Testament. While occasionally denoting physical progression, its most profound usage, particularly in Luke's Gospel, describes advancement in years. This depiction of individuals "well advanced in age" serves a crucial theological purpose: it underscores the human impossibility of certain events, thereby magnifying God's miraculous intervention and sovereign power. The advanced age of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Anna highlights God's ability to transcend natural limitations, fulfill His promises against all odds, and orchestrate salvation history according to His perfect will. Thus, probaínō is a word that quietly but powerfully testifies to the Lord's faithfulness and His unconstrained capacity to bring forth life and purpose in His divine timing.
TRV