from πρό and κεῖμαι; to lie before the view, i.e. (figuratively) to be present (to the mind), to stand forth (as an example or reward):--be first, set before (forth).
Transliteration:prókeimai
Pronunciation:prok'-i-mahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πρόκειμαι (prókeimai, `{{G4295}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition πρό (pro, meaning "before" or "in front of") and the verb κεῖμαι (keimai, meaning "to lie," "to be laid," or "to be situated"). Literally, it signifies "to lie before" or "to be placed in front of." This foundational meaning extends into several significant semantic ranges within the New Testament. Firstly, it can denote something that is physically present or "at hand," readily available for consideration or action. Secondly, and more abstractly, it describes something that is "set forth" or "laid out" as a goal, a purpose, a reward, or a course of action. In this sense, it implies a pre-arranged or designated reality. Thirdly, it is employed to convey the idea of something being "set forth as an example" or a warning, serving a didactic function by being openly displayed for observation and learning. The common thread across these meanings is the concept of visibility, accessibility, or intentional presentation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πρόκειμαι appears four times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced semantic range:
* **[[2 Corinthians 8:12]]**: "For if the readiness is πρόκειται (is present), it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have." Here, πρόκειται conveys the idea of an internal disposition — "readiness" or "willingness" — being present or evident. The emphasis is on the internal attitude being genuinely at hand or available within the individual, which makes their offering acceptable to God, irrespective of the quantity.
* **[[Hebrews 6:18]]**: "...so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope προκειμένης (set before) us." In this context, the "hope" is not an abstract concept but a tangible, divinely appointed reality that is set before believers as a steadfast anchor. It represents a promise or a future reality that God Himself has laid out for those who trust Him, providing a clear object for their faith and endurance.
* **[[Hebrews 12:1]]**: "...and let us run with endurance the race προκειμένην (that is set before) us..." Similar to [[Hebrews 6:18]], the "race" refers to the Christian life, a divinely appointed course or spiritual journey that is laid out or set before believers. It implies a pre-determined path or a specific challenge that God has designed for His people, demanding perseverance and focused effort to complete. The race is not random but purposefully set forth.
* **[[Jude 1:7]]**: "...just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, πρόκεινται (serve as an example) by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire." Here, πρόκεινται clearly means to be set forth as an example or to serve as a warning. The judgment inflicted upon these cities is not merely a historical event but a divinely ordained object lesson, openly displayed for all generations to observe and learn from, illustrating the consequences of profound sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of πρόκειμαι is enriched by its relationship to other Greek words and theological concepts:
* **κεῖμαι (keimai, `{{G2749}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to lie" or "to be laid," underscores the passive aspect of πρόκειμαι—something is *laid* or *placed* by an external agent, often God.
* **πρό (pro, `{{G4253}}`)**: The prefix "before" emphasizes the positioning or presentation of something in a prominent or accessible manner.
* **τίθημι (tithemi, `{{G5087}}`)**: "To place" or "to set." While τίθημι focuses on the *act* of placing, πρόκειμαι describes the *state* of being placed before.
* **παρατίθημι (paratithemi, `{{G3908}}`)**: "To set before" (e.g., food, or a parable). This word shares the idea of presenting something for consideration or consumption.
* **ὑπόδειγμα (hypodeigma, `{{G5262}}`)**: "Example" or "pattern." This term is conceptually linked to the use of πρόκειμαι in [[Jude 1:7]], where Sodom and Gomorrah are set forth as an example (πρόκεινται δεῖγμα).
* **σκοπός (skopos, `{{G4649}}`)**: "Goal" or "aim." This relates to the "hope" or "race" that is set before believers, representing the target or objective of their spiritual journey.
* **Divine Purpose/Providence**: The instances in Hebrews speak to God's deliberate ordering of events and His provision of a clear path and sure hope for His people.
* **Moral Instruction/Warning**: The usage in Jude highlights God's use of historical events as didactic tools, openly displaying the consequences of sin for the instruction of future generations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πρόκειμαι lies in its portrayal of God's intentionality, clarity, and just governance.
1. **Divine Arrangement and Purpose**: The "hope" and "race" being set before believers (Hebrews) underscore God's sovereign plan and purpose for humanity. The Christian life is not a random walk but a divinely appointed course with a clear objective. This provides assurance and direction, knowing that God has prepared the path and the ultimate destination. It speaks to God's faithfulness in laying out a sure hope and a defined journey for His people.
2. **Clarity of Divine Revelation and Warning**: The judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah being set forth as an example (Jude) reveals God's commitment to clear communication regarding sin and its consequences. God does not hide His justice; instead, He openly displays historical precedents to serve as a perpetual warning, urging repentance and righteous living. This demonstrates God's pedagogical nature, using history to instruct His people.
3. **Human Responsibility and Readiness**: While God sets the path and the hope, πρόκειμαι also implies a human response. The "readiness" that is present (2 Corinthians) highlights the importance of an internal, willing disposition in the believer. God provides the opportunity and the context, but humanity is called to engage with what is set before them—whether to embrace the hope, run the race, or heed the warning. This word subtly emphasizes the interplay between divine initiative and human accountability.
4. **Accessibility of Truth**: The very nature of πρόκειμαι—something lying *before* one's view—suggests that God's truth, His purposes, and His warnings are not obscure or hidden. They are openly displayed, accessible to those who are willing to see and respond.
### Summary
πρόκειμαι (prókeimai, `{{G4295}}`) fundamentally means "to lie before" or "to be set forth." Its New Testament usage reveals a rich semantic range encompassing the idea of something being present or at hand, something divinely appointed and laid out as a goal or path, and something openly displayed as an example or warning. Whether referring to a believer's internal readiness, the hope of the gospel, the Christian life as a race, or the historical judgment of sin, πρόκειμαι consistently points to a reality that is visible, accessible, and often intentionally presented. Theologically, it illuminates God's purposeful design for humanity, His clear communication of truth and warning, and the corresponding call for human responsiveness and endurance in light of what He has set before us.
TRV