### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προγινώσκω (proginṓskō) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρό (pro), meaning "before," and the verb γινώσκω (ginṓskō) `{{G1097}}`, meaning "to know." Therefore, its literal and base definition is "to know beforehand" or "to foresee." In its theological application, particularly when God is the subject, the meaning extends beyond mere intellectual foresight. It often implies a pre-determined or pre-ordained knowledge that is active and relational, leading to or intertwined with divine purpose, election, and predestination. It signifies not just an awareness of what will happen, but an intimate, purposeful knowing that shapes what will happen.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb προγινώσκω appears five times in the New Testament:
* **[[Acts 2:23]]**: "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain." Here, the word is used in conjunction with "determinate counsel" (βουλή `{{G1012}}`), underscoring that the crucifixion of Jesus, though carried out by human hands, was not an unforeseen tragedy but was part of God's sovereign, pre-ordained plan. God's foreknowledge is an active, purposeful knowledge that directs historical events.
* **[[Romans 8:29]]**: "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." This is a pivotal passage for understanding divine election. God's foreknowledge is presented as the initial step in the "golden chain of salvation" (foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, glorification). The "knowing" here is widely understood not as mere intellectual foresight of who *would* believe, but as a prior, intimate, electing knowledge, akin to the covenantal "knowing" found in the Old Testament (e.g., [[Amos 3:2]]). It signifies a loving, choosing relationship established by God before time.
* **[[Romans 11:2]]**: "God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew." Paul uses προγινώσκω to assert God's continued faithfulness to Israel. God's prior knowledge of Israel signifies His enduring covenantal relationship and election of them, ensuring that His promises to them will not fail. This reinforces the idea of an active, choosing foreknowledge.
* **[[1 Peter 1:2]]**: "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ." This verse explicitly links the election of believers to the foreknowledge of God the Father. It emphasizes the divine initiative in salvation, rooting the believer's chosen status in God's eternal purpose and prior knowledge.
* **[[2 Peter 3:17]]**: "You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked." In this instance, προγινώσκω refers to human foreknowledge. Believers are exhorted to be vigilant because they have been forewarned about the coming deception and apostasy. This demonstrates the word's broader application, though its theological significance primarily derives from its use in relation to God's divine knowledge.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **γινώσκω (ginṓskō) `{{G1097}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to know," often implying experiential, intimate, or relational knowledge rather than mere intellectual assent. προγινώσκω builds upon this, adding the temporal element of "before."
* **πρόγνωσις (prognōsis) `{{G4268}}`**: The noun form, "foreknowledge," found in [[Acts 2:23]] and [[1 Peter 1:2]], directly linked to God's divine plan and election.
* **προορίζω (proorizō) `{{G4309}}`**: "To predestine," "to predetermine." This word is closely associated with προγινώσκω, particularly in [[Romans 8:29]], where foreknowledge precedes predestination in the divine sequence of salvation.
* **ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai) `{{G1586}}` / ἐκλογή (eklogē) `{{G1589}}`**: "To choose," "election." These terms are inextricably linked to foreknowledge, as God's foreknowledge is often presented as the basis or ground for His electing purpose.
* **θεός (theos) `{{G2316}}`**: God, who is the primary subject of "foreknowing" in the theological sense, highlighting His omniscience and sovereignty.
* **βουλή (boulē) `{{G1012}}`**: Counsel, purpose, or plan. God's foreknowledge is not passive observation but is intrinsically tied to His eternal counsel and active will.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of προγινώσκω is profound, particularly in the realm of divine sovereignty and salvation.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**: The word emphatically underscores God's absolute sovereignty over history, human events, and the destiny of individuals. His foreknowledge is not a passive observation of a future that is independent of Him, but rather an active, purposeful knowledge that is integral to His eternal plan and brings about His will.
2. **Basis of Election**: In the context of salvation, προγινώσκω serves as the divine ground for election. God "foreknew" those whom He would choose for salvation, and this foreknowledge is the starting point for their predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. The nature of this "knowing" is crucial: it is not merely that God foresaw who would believe by their own free will, but that He actively, intimately, and lovingly "knew" (chose in a relational sense) certain individuals before the foundation of the world, thereby setting them apart for salvation.
3. **Assurance of Salvation**: For believers, the concept of God's foreknowledge provides immense assurance. Their salvation is not contingent on their fluctuating performance or merit, but is rooted in God's eternal, unchanging purpose and His prior, electing knowledge of them. This provides a secure foundation for faith and hope.
4. **God's Immutability**: God's foreknowledge implies His unchangeable nature and the certainty of His plan. What He knows and purposes before time, He infallibly brings to pass in time.
### Summary
προγινώσκω (proginṓskō) signifies "to know beforehand" or "to foresee." While it can refer to human foresight ([[2 Peter 3:17]]), its most profound theological application concerns God's divine knowledge. In this context, it denotes an active, pre-temporal, and purposeful knowing that is intrinsically linked to God's eternal counsel, election, and predestination. As seen in passages like [[Romans 8:29]] and [[1 Peter 1:2]], God's foreknowledge is not a passive observation of future events or human choices, but rather an intimate, covenantal knowledge that serves as the foundational basis for His sovereign plan of salvation. It highlights the divine initiative in redemption, assuring believers that their salvation is eternally secure, rooted in God's unwavering purpose and prior, electing love.
TRV