### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **prográphō**, represented by `{{G4270}}`, means to write previously, announce, or prescribe. It appears 6 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. This term carries the dual sense of something being recorded in the past and also being publicly declared or ordained for the future.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4270}}` is used both literally and figuratively. Paul states that the scriptures were **written aforetime** for our learning, so that we might find hope [[Romans 15:4]]. In a more figurative sense, it describes how the message of the crucified Christ was **evidently set forth** before the eyes of the Galatians, as if publicly posted [[Galatians 3:1]]. Jude uses it to describe ungodly men who were **before of old ordained** to condemnation [[Jude 1:4]], signifying a predetermined judgment. Paul also uses it to refer to his own previous writings on the mystery of the gospel [[Ephesians 3:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of what has been previously written or set forth:
* `{{G1124}}` **graphḗ** (a document, i.e. holy Writ): This term for **scripture** is what was "written aforetime" to give believers hope and learning [[Romans 15:4]].
* `{{G2917}}` **kríma** (a decision... condemnation): This is the **condemnation** to which certain ungodly men were "before of old ordained," linking `{{G4270}}` to the concept of a pre-written judgment [[Jude 1:4]].
* `{{G1107}}` **gnōrízō** (to make known; declare): This act of making something known is the result of what has been "written afore" or "set forth," such as the mystery of the gospel [[Ephesians 3:3]].
* `{{G602}}` **apokálypsis** (disclosure:--...revelation): The **revelation** given to Paul is what he then "wrote afore" to the Ephesians, connecting a divine disclosure to a written record [[Ephesians 3:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4270}}` is significant and multifaceted.
* **Purpose of Scripture:** The concept of things being "written aforetime" establishes that scripture `{{G1124}}` is not a random collection of texts, but was intentionally recorded for the learning `{{G1319}}`, comfort `{{G3874}}`, and hope `{{G1680}}` of believers [[Romans 15:4]].
* **Divine Foreordination:** The use of `{{G4270}}` in Jude points to the solemn reality of divine judgment. Certain individuals are described as being "before of old ordained to this condemnation" `{{G2917}}`, indicating their fate was previously prescribed [[Jude 1:4]].
* **Clarity of the Gospel:** The truth of Christ crucified `{{G4717}}` is not a hidden secret but was "evidently set forth," or publicly posted. This implies that the core message of the gospel is meant to be clear, open, and undeniable [[Galatians 3:1]].
* **Apostolic Writing as Revelation:** Paul connects his own act of having "wrote afore" directly to the mystery `{{G3466}}` that was made known to him by revelation `{{G602}}`. This affirms that apostolic teaching is a form of pre-written, authoritative instruction for the church [[Ephesians 3:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4270}}` moves beyond simply meaning 'to write before.' It encompasses the purposeful nature of scripture, the predetermined reality of divine judgment, and the clear, public proclamation of the gospel. Whether referring to ancient texts, an apostolic letter, or a divine decree, **prográphō** highlights that God's truth has been previously and purposefully set down for all to see and understand.
TRV