from προτίθεμαι; a setting forth, i.e. (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the Temple) as exposed before God:--purpose, shew(-bread).
Transliteration:próthesis
Pronunciation:proth'-es-is
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word πρόθεσις (próthesis), `{{G4286}}`, is derived from the verb προτίθεμαι (protithemai), `{{G4388}}`, which means "to set before," "to place in front," or "to propose." Consequently, πρόθεσις carries a foundational meaning of "a setting forth" or "a placing before." From this literal sense, two primary semantic ranges emerge in its biblical usage.
First, and most commonly, it signifies a "purpose," "intention," "plan," or "design." This refers to a deliberate act of the will, a pre-determination, or a settled resolve. It implies forethought and a fixed aim, rather than an accidental outcome.
Second, in a highly specialized and concrete sense, πρόθεσις refers to the "showbread" or "bread of the Presence" (ἄρτοι τῆς προθέσεως) in the Tabernacle and Temple. This usage directly reflects the literal meaning of "that which is set before," as these loaves were continually placed before the Lord.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πρόθεσις appears twelve times in the New Testament, with distinct applications to both divine and human resolve, as well as a specific cultic object.
When referring to God, πρόθεσις consistently denotes His sovereign, pre-determined plan and intention. In [[Romans 8:28]], believers are assured that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Here, God's πρόθεσις is the ultimate framework within which all events unfold for the benefit of His elect. Similarly, [[Romans 9:11]] highlights God's "purpose according to election," emphasizing that His choice is not based on human works but on His sovereign will. [[Ephesians 1:11]] states that believers have obtained an inheritance, "having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will." This underscores the divine initiative in salvation. [[Ephesians 3:11]] speaks of God's "eternal purpose" (κατὰ πρόθεσιν τῶν αἰώνων) which He accomplished in Christ Jesus, pointing to a grand, overarching plan spanning all ages. Finally, [[2 Timothy 1:9]] affirms that God saved and called us "according to His own purpose and grace," further emphasizing that salvation originates solely from God's gracious πρόθεσις, independent of human merit. In all these instances, God's πρόθεσις is portrayed as unchangeable, effective, and the ultimate ground of His redemptive activity.
When applied to humans, πρόθεσις denotes a firm resolve or settled intention. In [[Acts 11:23]], Barnabas encourages the believers in Antioch "to remain with the Lord with purpose of heart" (τῇ προθέσει τῆς καρδίας). This signifies a steadfast and deliberate commitment to Christ, demonstrating a human will aligned with divine truth.
The specialized usage of πρόθεσις for "showbread" appears in the Gospels and Hebrews. [[Matthew 12:4]], [[Mark 2:26]], and [[Luke 6:4]] all recount Jesus' reference to David eating the "showbread" (τοὺς ἄρτους τῆς προθέσεως) in the context of His disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath. This points to the Old Testament practice (cf. Leviticus 24:5-9). [[Hebrews 9:2]] describes the Tabernacle, mentioning the "table of the showbread" (ἡ τράπεζα τῆς προθέσεως) as part of the holy place. In these contexts, πρόθεσις refers to the twelve loaves of bread continually "set before" the Lord in the Tabernacle/Temple, symbolizing God's covenant presence and provision for Israel, and Israel's perpetual offering before Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of πρόθεσις intersects with several other Greek terms related to will, plan, and intention. The verb from which it derives, προτίθεμαι (protithemai) `{{G4388}}`, is used in [[Romans 3:25]] to describe God "setting forth" Christ as a propitiation.
Other related terms that convey aspects of purpose or will include:
* βουλή (boulē) `{{G1012}}`: counsel, will, or purpose, often referring to a deliberate decision or plan, especially of God (e.g., [[Acts 2:23]]).
* θέλημα (thelēma) `{{G2307}}`: will, desire, or purpose, very frequently used for God's will (e.g., [[Matthew 6:10]]). While θέλημα emphasizes the desire or wish, πρόθεσις stresses the pre-determination or settled plan.
* γνώμη (gnōmē) `{{G1106}}`: opinion, judgment, or purpose, often reflecting a considered decision (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 1:10]]).
In contrast, πρόθεσις stands opposed to concepts of chance, randomness, or an unthinking reaction, always implying deliberate design.
For the "showbread" usage, related concepts include ἄρτος (artos) `{{G740}}` (bread) and the Hebrew לחם הפנים (lechem hapanim), literally "bread of the face" or "bread of the presence," which perfectly captures the idea of bread "set before the face" of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πρόθεσις is profound, particularly in its application to God.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Election:** The frequent use of πρόθεσις to describe God's plan ([[Romans 8:28]], [[Romans 9:11]], [[Ephesians 1:11]], [[2 Timothy 1:9]]) underscores His absolute sovereignty. His purposes are eternal, unchangeable, and the ultimate basis for His actions in salvation and election. This term is foundational to understanding doctrines of predestination, emphasizing that salvation originates entirely from God's gracious will, not human merit or foresight. It provides immense assurance that God's plan cannot be thwarted.
2. **Divine Initiative and Grace:** God's πρόθεσις signifies His active initiation in salvation history. He purposes, He calls, He saves. This highlights the gratuitous nature of salvation, as it flows from God's own benevolent design rather than any human prompting or worthiness.
3. **Christocentricity of God's Plan:** The "eternal purpose" of God ([[Ephesians 3:11]]) is revealed and executed in Christ Jesus. Christ is not an afterthought but the very center and fulfillment of God's overarching plan for redemption, reconciliation, and the gathering of all things in Him.
4. **Human Resolve and Faithfulness:** While God's πρόθεσις is sovereign, human πρόθεσις ([[Acts 11:23]]) speaks to the necessary response of a believer: a steadfast, intentional commitment to the Lord. This demonstrates a harmonious relationship where divine sovereignty enables and calls forth human responsibility and faithfulness.
5. **Worship, Presence, and Provision (Showbread):** The "showbread" aspect points to the Old Testament cultic worship, where the bread was continually "set before" God in His presence. This symbolizes constant communion, God's faithful provision for His people, and Israel's perpetual offering of themselves before Him. In the New Testament, Jesus' reference to the showbread ([[Matthew 12:4]]) challenges rigid legalism by prioritizing human need and divine mercy over ritualistic adherence, hinting at a new covenant reality where Christ Himself is the true "bread of life" and the constant presence of God with His people. The showbread thus prefigures Christ as the ultimate sustenance and the means of true access to God's presence.
### Summary
πρόθεσις (próthesis), `{{G4286}}`, is a significant Greek term in the New Testament, carrying the core meaning of "a setting forth" or "a placing before." This foundational sense branches into two main applications: a "purpose" or "intention," and the specific "showbread" of the Temple. When referring to God, πρόθεσις consistently denotes His eternal, sovereign, and unchangeable plan, particularly concerning salvation and election, underscoring His divine initiative and grace ([[Romans 8:28]], [[Ephesians 1:11]], [[2 Timothy 1:9]]). This divine purpose finds its ultimate culmination and execution in Christ Jesus ([[Ephesians 3:11]]). When applied to humanity, it signifies a firm, settled resolve of the heart, as seen in the call to remain with the Lord "with purpose of heart" ([[Acts 11:23]]). The concrete usage of πρόθεσις for the "showbread" ([[Matthew 12:4]], [[Hebrews 9:2]]) points to Old Testament cultic worship, symbolizing God's constant presence and provision, and Israel's perpetual offering before Him. Theologically, πρόθεσις profoundly articulates God's unwavering sovereignty, His intentional work throughout redemptive history, and the Christ-centered nature of His saving plan, while also illuminating the nature of human commitment and the profound symbolism of worship.
TRV