### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **prokatangéllō**, represented by `{{G4293}}`, means **to anounce beforehand, i.e. predict, promise**. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is used to describe the act of declaring something in advance, whether it be a divine prophecy or a prior notice of a planned event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4293}}` is primarily used in the book of Acts to refer to the prophecies of the Old Testament. Stephen, in his final address, challenges his audience by asking which of the prophets their fathers had not persecuted, specifically "them which **shewed before** of the coming of the Just One" [[Acts 7:52]]. Similarly, Peter states that God fulfilled what He **"before had shewed** by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer" [[Acts 3:18]]. The word also appears in a non-prophetic context, where Paul refers to a generous gift that the Corinthian church **"had notice before"** of [[2 Corinthians 9:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of announcing things in advance:
* `{{G4396}}` **prophḗtēs** (a foreteller ("prophet")): This is the person who performs the action of `{{G4293}}`. The term is used repeatedly in connection with those who **"shewed before"** future events ([[Acts 3:18]], [[Acts 7:52]]).
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō** (to talk, i.e. utter words): This word for general speaking is used in conjunction with `{{G4293}}` to show a distinction. The prophets are described as those who have **"spoken"** and also **"foretold"** specific events [[Acts 3:24]].
* `{{G4281}}` **proérchomai** (to go onward, precede): This word shares the prefix "pro-" (before) and is used in the context of sending brethren to **"go before"** to make arrangements for a gift that the church **"had notice before"** of [[2 Corinthians 9:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4293}}` is significant, particularly in establishing the continuity of God's plan.
* **Divine Foreknowledge:** The term underscores God's sovereignty, highlighting that key events, especially the suffering of Christ, were not accidents but were announced beforehand through His prophets [[Acts 3:18]].
* **Messianic Prophecy:** `{{G4293}}` is explicitly used to describe the foretelling of Jesus. The prophets are identified as those who **"shewed before"** the coming of the "Just One," directly linking Old Testament prophecy to Christ [[Acts 7:52]].
* **Basis of Fulfillment:** By announcing events in advance, God establishes a framework for their fulfillment. The apostles use this concept to argue that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus were the intended completion of what the prophets had **"foretold"** [[Acts 3:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4293}}` is a specific term that conveys the idea of a prior announcement. While it can be used for practical matters, its primary theological role is to affirm that the events of the New Testament, particularly the coming of Christ, were declared in advance by God through His prophets. It serves as a linguistic bridge connecting God's ancient promises with their ultimate fulfillment in history.
TRV