from πρό and βάλλω; to throw forward, i.e. push to the front, germinate:--put forward, shoot forth.
Transliteration:probállō
Pronunciation:prob-al'-lo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G4261}}` *probállō* is a compound word derived from the preposition *pró* (πρό), meaning "before" or "forward," and the verb *bállō* (βάλλω), meaning "to throw" or "to cast." Etymologically, it signifies "to throw forward" or "to cast forth." This core meaning extends semantically into two primary spheres of application in the New Testament. First, it can denote the act of "putting someone forward" or "bringing someone forth," implying an active presentation or selection from a group. This sense emphasizes human agency in placing an individual in a prominent or representative position. Second, in a more natural and biological context, it describes the process of "shooting forth" or "germinating," as when plants produce buds or leaves. This latter usage highlights a natural, inevitable development or manifestation, a visible sign of an underlying process. Both aspects convey the idea of something emerging or becoming visible from a previous state of being hidden or potential.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G4261}}` *probállō* appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illustrating one of its distinct semantic ranges:
1. **Acts 19:33**: "And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward (προεβάλλον)." In the tumultuous context of the riot in Ephesus, the Jewish community attempts to distance themselves from Paul and his companions. They "put forward" or "brought forth" Alexander, likely intending for him to speak on their behalf or to present their case to the agitated crowd. Here, *probállō* clearly signifies the act of selecting and presenting an individual for public appearance or representation. It denotes a deliberate human action to bring someone to the forefront of attention.
2. **Luke 21:30**: "When they now shoot forth (προβάλωσιν) from themselves, you see and know of yourselves that summer is now near." In Jesus' discourse on the signs of the end times, He uses the analogy of a fig tree (and other trees). When these trees "shoot forth" their leaves, it is an unmistakable sign that summer is imminent. This usage of *probállō* refers to the natural, vegetative process of budding and leafing out. It describes an organic manifestation, a visible and undeniable indicator of an approaching season. The process is inherent to the tree and serves as a clear, observable sign for those who witness it.
These two occurrences demonstrate the versatility of `{{G4261}}`, encompassing both human volitional action and natural, organic processes, yet consistently conveying the idea of something being brought forth or becoming manifest.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root verb *bállō* (βάλλω, `{{G906}}`) itself is highly versatile, meaning "to throw, cast, put," and forms numerous compounds in the New Testament, each with a specific nuance. For instance, *ekbállō* (ἐκβάλλω, `{{G1544}}`) means "to cast out" or "drive out," often with force or authority (e.g., casting out demons). *Epibállō* (ἐπιβάλλω, `{{G1911}}`) means "to throw upon" or "lay on" (e.g., hands). The prefix *pró* (πρό, `{{G4253}}`) frequently indicates "before" in time or place, or "forward," as seen in words like *proginōskō* (προγινώσκω, `{{G4267}}`, "to know beforehand") or *prophētēs* (προφήτης, `{{G4396}}`, "one who speaks forth").
Concepts related to `{{G4261}}` include:
* **Manifestation/Revelation**: The idea of something previously hidden becoming visible (cf. *phaneroō* φανερόω, `{{G5319}}`).
* **Signs/Indicators**: Especially in Luke 21:30, the word points to observable phenomena that serve as clear signs of an impending event (cf. *sēmeion* σημεῖον, `{{G4592}}`).
* **Presentation/Delegation**: In Acts 19:33, it touches upon the act of appointing or presenting an individual to represent a group or cause.
* **Growth/Fruition**: The natural aspect relates to the process of development and bringing forth fruit or new life (cf. *auxanō* αὐξάνω, `{{G837}}`).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4261}}` *probállō* is primarily derived from its contextual applications. In Luke 21:30, it forms part of Jesus' eschatological discourse, serving as a powerful illustration of the certainty and discernibility of divine timing. Just as the "shooting forth" of leaves from a fig tree is an undeniable sign of summer's approach, so too will the signs of the end times be clear indicators of the Son of Man's imminent return. This natural analogy underscores the reliability of God's prophetic word and calls believers to spiritual discernment and vigilance. The visible manifestation in the natural world serves as a parable for the spiritual reality of God's unfolding plan.
In Acts 19:33, while not directly theological in its primary sense, the "putting forward" of Alexander illustrates the human dynamic within the nascent Christian community and its interaction with the broader societal and religious landscape. It highlights attempts by various groups to control narratives or present their positions, often in the face of conflict or misunderstanding. From a broader theological perspective, it can be seen as part of the human drama unfolding within divine providence, where individuals are "put forward" by human design, yet ultimately God's purposes prevail. The word, therefore, subtly points to both the observable signs of God's work in creation and history, and the human actions that unfold within that divine framework.
### Summary
`{{G4261}}` *probállō* is a Greek verb meaning "to throw forward," which semantically extends to "to put forward" (a person) or "to shoot forth" (plants). Its two New Testament occurrences beautifully illustrate this dual range. In Acts 19:33, it describes the deliberate human act of presenting Alexander from a crowd, highlighting human agency in public affairs. In Luke 21:30, it refers to the natural phenomenon of trees "shooting forth" leaves, serving as a vivid metaphor for the clear and undeniable signs preceding the Lord's return. Theologically, *probállō* underscores the discernibility of God's timing through observable signs in creation, urging believers to vigilance and understanding. It also subtly reflects the human endeavors and interactions that occur within the larger scope of God's sovereign plan. Ultimately, `{{G4261}}` speaks to the concept of manifestation, whether through human action or natural process, revealing something that was previously latent or anticipated.
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