from πρό and κηρύσσω; to herald (i.e. proclaim) in advance:--before (first) preach.
Transliteration:prokērýssō
Pronunciation:prok-ay-rooce'-so
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προκηρύσσω (prokērýssō), Strong's `{{G4296}}`, is a compound word formed from the preposition πρό (pro), meaning "before" or "in advance," and the verb κηρύσσω (kērýssō) `{{G2784}}`, meaning "to herald," "to proclaim," or "to preach." Thus, the core meaning of προκηρύσσω is "to herald or proclaim in advance," "to preach beforehand," or "to announce prophetically." It carries the specific nuance of a proclamation that anticipates a future event or revelation, setting it apart from a general proclamation. The emphasis is on the temporal priority of the announcement, indicating a divine foretelling or preparation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb προκηρύσσω appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 3:24]]: "And indeed, all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed him, as many as have spoken, have also προκηρύσσω (proclaimed beforehand) these days."
This occurrence is found within Peter's second sermon, delivered in Solomon's Portico after the healing of the lame man. Peter is addressing the Jewish crowd, emphasizing the continuity between the Old Testament prophecies and the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "these days" refers to the current era of fulfillment, characterized by the coming of the Messiah, His suffering, resurrection, and the subsequent call to repentance and "times of refreshing" from the Lord. Peter asserts that all the prophets, from Samuel onwards, did not merely speak generally but specifically προκηρύσσω – they announced in advance – the very events and spiritual realities now unfolding through Jesus. This highlights the divine orchestration of history, where God's plan for salvation was not a sudden improvisation but a carefully revealed purpose, heralded centuries in advance by His chosen messengers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of προκηρύσσω intersects with several key biblical terms and concepts:
* κηρύσσω (kērýssō) `{{G2784}}`: The base verb, meaning to proclaim or preach. προκηρύσσω is a specific form of κηρύσσω, emphasizing the *timing* of the proclamation (beforehand).
* προφητεύω (prophēteúō) `{{G4395}}`: To prophesy, to speak under divine inspiration, often with a foretelling element. This is closely related, as the prophets were precisely those who προκηρύσσω the coming of Christ.
* προαγγέλλω (proaggéllō) `{{G4214}}`: To announce beforehand. This verb shares the same πρό prefix and a similar meaning, focusing on the anticipatory nature of the message.
* εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō) `{{G2097}}`: To preach good news, to evangelize. While the content of προκηρύσσω is often good news (the coming of the Messiah), its focus is on the *pre-announcement* rather than the general spread of the gospel.
* Concepts such as divine foreknowledge, covenant fulfillment, salvation history, and the reliability of God's prophetic word are all deeply intertwined with the meaning and use of προκηρύσσω. It underscores the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, demonstrating that Christ's advent was not an unforeseen event but the culmination of God's long-revealed plan.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of προκηρύσσω in [[Acts 3:24]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful affirmation of God's sovereignty and meticulous planning throughout history.
1. **Divine Foreknowledge and Purpose:** The word highlights that God's redemptive plan was not an afterthought but was conceived and announced long before its ultimate fulfillment. The prophets did not merely speak of general righteousness but specifically προκηρύσσω the "these days" of Christ's ministry, suffering, and the subsequent outpouring of the Spirit. This demonstrates God's complete knowledge of future events and His sovereign control over history.
2. **Continuity of Revelation:** προκηρύσσω bridges the Old and New Testaments, establishing a seamless continuity in God's revelation. It asserts that the Old Testament prophets were not merely moral reformers or political commentators, but divinely inspired heralds who prepared the way for the Messiah. Their message was intrinsically linked to the person and work of Jesus, validating the New Covenant as the fulfillment of the Old.
3. **Reliability of God's Word:** The fact that what was προκηρύσσω by the prophets has now come to pass in Christ powerfully attests to the trustworthiness and infallibility of God's prophetic word. It assures believers that God's promises are sure and will ultimately be realized.
4. **Preparation for Redemption:** The "preaching beforehand" served to prepare humanity, particularly Israel, for the advent of the Messiah and the new era of salvation. It created a historical and theological context for understanding Jesus not as an isolated figure, but as the long-awaited fulfillment of divine promise.
### Summary
προκηρύσσω (prokērýssō) `{{G4296}}` is a significant Greek verb meaning "to proclaim or preach in advance" or "to herald beforehand." Its composition from πρό ("before") and κηρύσσω ("to proclaim") emphasizes the anticipatory nature of the message. Although it appears only once in [[Acts 3:24]], its context is crucial: Peter's sermon explicitly states that all the Old Testament prophets προκηρύσσω the very days of Christ's coming and the subsequent spiritual realities. Theologically, προκηρύσσω underscores God's sovereign foreknowledge and meticulous plan for salvation, demonstrating the seamless continuity between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It powerfully affirms the reliability of God's word and His consistent purpose throughout salvation history.
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