from πρό and βλέπω; to look out beforehand, i.e. furnish in advance:--provide.
Transliteration:problépō
Pronunciation:prob-lep'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προβλέπω (transliterated as problépō, `{{G4265}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition πρό (pró, `{{G4253}}`), meaning "before" or "in front of," and the verb βλέπω (blépō, `{{G991}}`), meaning "to see," "to look," or "to perceive." The literal meaning, therefore, is "to see beforehand" or "to look out beforehand." This initial understanding extends semantically to imply foresight, planning, and ultimately, active provision based on that foresight. It signifies not merely a passive observation of future events, but a deliberate act of looking ahead with the intent to prepare or furnish what is needed. The base definition "to look out beforehand, i.e. furnish in advance" captures this active, provident aspect, culminating in the rendering "provide."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προβλέπω (`{{G4265}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* **[[Hebrews 11:40]]**: "God having **provided** something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect."
This sole occurrence is found within the renowned "faith chapter" (Hebrews 11), which chronicles the lives of Old Testament saints who lived by faith. The verse concludes this long list of faithful individuals, emphasizing a crucial aspect of God's redemptive plan. The "us" refers to New Covenant believers, while "they" refers to the Old Testament saints. The author asserts that God, in His divine wisdom and foresight, "provided" (or "looked out beforehand for") a "better thing" for New Covenant believers. This "better thing" is understood to be the full realization of salvation and perfection through Christ, which was not fully available to the Old Testament saints in their lifetime. The profound implication is that the Old Testament saints, despite their faith, would not attain ultimate perfection or completion *apart from* the New Covenant believers. This points to the unity and progressive nature of God's singular redemptive purpose, culminating in Christ. God's προβλέπω here highlights His sovereign orchestration of history, ensuring that all His people, across different dispensations, are brought to perfection together in Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of προβλέπω (`{{G4265}}`) themselves (πρό, `{{G4253}}` and βλέπω, `{{G991}}`) are foundational. πρό frequently denotes priority in time or place, while βλέπω encompasses various forms of seeing, from physical sight to mental discernment. The combination inherently conveys an active, intentional foresight.
Other Greek words that share a semantic field related to divine foresight, planning, or provision include:
* προορίζω (proorízō, `{{G4309}}`): "to predetermine," "to predestine." While προβλέπω emphasizes the *act of seeing and providing beforehand*, προορίζω focuses on the *setting of a boundary or destiny in advance*. Both speak to divine initiative.
* προετοιμάζω (proetoimázō, `{{G4282}}`): "to prepare beforehand." This term closely aligns with the "furnish in advance" aspect of προβλέπω, emphasizing the active preparation for future events.
* πρόνοια (prónoia, `{{G4307}}`): "foresight," "providence." This noun form directly speaks to the concept of careful planning or provision, often with a benevolent connotation. While not directly from the same root as προβλέπω, it encapsulates the same core idea of divine care and planning.
* οἰκονομία (oikonomía, `{{G3622}}`): "stewardship," "administration," often used in theological contexts to refer to God's overarching plan or dispensation for humanity's salvation. This broader concept underlies the specific act of προβλέπω.
The uniqueness of προβλέπω (`{{G4265}}`) lies in its specific emphasis on God's active, benevolent foresight that leads to concrete provision, particularly in the context of His unified redemptive historical plan.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of προβλέπω (`{{G4265}}`) in [[Hebrews 11:40]] carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Providence and Sovereignty:** The word underscores God's active and benevolent providence. He is not a reactive God but one who meticulously plans and provides for His creation, especially in the realm of salvation. His "seeing beforehand" is not passive observation but an active, sovereign determination to bring about a specific, good outcome. This speaks to His ultimate control over history and salvation.
2. **Unity of God's Redemptive Plan:** προβλέπω (`{{G4265}}`) highlights the seamless continuity and unity of God's redemptive work across various dispensations. The "better thing" provided for New Covenant believers ensures that the Old Testament saints are not perfected in isolation but are brought to completion alongside those who believe in Christ's finished work. This emphasizes that there is one unified people of God, brought to perfection through one Savior.
3. **The Superiority of the New Covenant:** While affirming the faith of Old Testament saints, προβλέπω (`{{G4265}}`) implicitly points to the superiority of the New Covenant in Christ. The "better thing" provided for "us" (New Covenant believers) is the full and final revelation of God's grace and the complete provision for atonement and perfection through Christ's sacrifice, which the Old Covenant rituals and sacrifices could only foreshadow.
4. **Hope and Assurance:** For believers, this word offers immense hope and assurance. It reveals a God who has thoughtfully and purposefully "looked out beforehand" for their ultimate good and perfection. His plan is not haphazard but perfectly orchestrated, ensuring that all who are in Christ will ultimately be made perfect.
### Summary
προβλέπω (`{{G4265}}`) is a rare but significant Greek verb, meaning "to look out beforehand" and, by extension, "to provide" or "furnish in advance." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Hebrews 11:40]] illuminates a crucial aspect of God's divine providence: His foresight and active provision of a "better thing" for New Covenant believers, ensuring that Old Testament saints are perfected in conjunction with them. This word powerfully underscores the unity and progressive nature of God's singular redemptive plan, culminating in Christ. It speaks to God's infinite wisdom, His sovereign control over salvation history, and His benevolent intention to bring all His people to ultimate perfection.
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