from πρό and κόπτω; to drive forward (as if by beating), i.e. (figuratively and intransitively) to advance (in amount, to grow; in time, to be well along):--increase, proceed, profit, be far spent, wax.
Transliteration:prokóptō
Pronunciation:prok-op'-to
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προκόπτω (prokóptō, `{{G4298}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition πρό (pro), meaning "before" or "forward," and the verb κόπτω (koptō), meaning "to strike," "to cut," or "to beat." The literal sense of this compound is "to cut forward" or "to beat a path forward." This evokes the image of pioneers clearing a dense forest by cutting down trees and undergrowth to make a way. Thus, the inherent nuance is one of making progress through effort, overcoming obstacles, and advancing despite resistance.
Figuratively, προκόπτω describes progress or advancement in various domains:
1. **Quantitative or Qualitative Growth:** To increase, grow, or make headway in understanding, wisdom, or spiritual maturity.
2. **Temporal Advancement:** To be "far spent" or "well along" in time, indicating that a period is nearing its end.
3. **General Progress:** To proceed, advance, or make profit, often implying significant or rapid movement.
The core idea is dynamic forward movement, often with the implication of intentionality and the overcoming of impediments.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
προκόπτω appears seven times in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Positive Personal Growth:**
* In [[Luke 2:52]], it is used to describe the development of the young Jesus: "And Jesus **increased** in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Here, προκόπτω signifies a holistic, positive advancement in intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions, reflecting a purposeful and divinely guided progression.
* **Temporal Progression:**
* [[Romans 13:12]] states, "The night is **far spent**, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." Here, the word denotes the temporal advancement of time, specifically the nearing end of the "night" (symbolizing the present age of darkness and sin) and the imminent arrival of the "day" (symbolizing salvation, Christ's return, or the era of light). This usage injects a sense of urgency into Paul's ethical exhortations.
* **Zealous but Misdirected Progress:**
* Paul uses προκόπτω to describe his own pre-conversion life in [[Galatians 1:14]]: "And I **advanced** in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers." This verse highlights Paul's intense, even excessive, progress and zeal within a religious system that was ultimately superseded by Christ. It demonstrates that προκόπτω can describe vigorous advancement, even when the direction or object of that progress is not aligned with God's ultimate truth.
* **Negative, Destructive Progression:**
* Significantly, προκόπτω is used three times in 2 Timothy to describe the spread of evil and ungodliness, revealing its semantic neutrality regarding the *nature* of the progress:
* [[2 Timothy 2:16]]: "But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will **increase** to more ungodliness." Here, προκόπτω describes the insidious spread and deepening of impiety resulting from false teaching.
* [[2 Timothy 3:9]]: "But they will **proceed** no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was." In this instance, the word indicates a limit to the advancement of evil men and their deceptive practices; their progress will be halted.
* [[2 Timothy 3:13]]: "But evil men and impostors will **grow** worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." This verse powerfully portrays the escalating nature of wickedness, where evil individuals make continuous "progress" in their deceit and depravity.
These occurrences reveal that προκόπτω consistently signifies forward movement or advancement, but the moral or spiritual quality of that movement is determined by the context.
### Related Words & Concepts
προκόπτω shares semantic space with other Greek words related to growth and advancement, yet it carries its own distinctive nuance:
* αὐξάνω (auxanō, `{{G837}}`): This verb generally means "to grow" or "to increase," often referring to natural, organic growth (e.g., plants, the body, or the Word of God). While προκόπτω can also mean "to grow," it often implies a more active, effortful, or even forceful "making headway," akin to cutting through obstacles.
* ἐπιδίδωμι (epididomi, `{{G1929}}`): While primarily meaning "to give over" or "to hand over," it can also convey the sense of "to advance" or "to make progress," particularly in the context of a ship making headway.
* προχωρέω (prochōreō, `{{G4391}}`): "To go forward" or "to proceed." This word is more general than προκόπτω, lacking the implied effort of "cutting a path."
Concepts related to προκόπτω include:
* **Spiritual Maturity/Sanctification:** The process by which believers grow in Christlikeness.
* **Perseverance:** The steadfast continuation in faith despite challenges.
* **Discipleship:** The journey of learning and following Christ, which inherently involves progress.
* **Apostasy/Degeneration:** The negative counterpart to spiritual growth, where individuals or communities "progress" away from truth and godliness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of προκόπτω is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Expectation of Progress:** The use of προκόπτω in relation to Jesus's growth ([[Luke 2:52]]) sets a precedent: life in God is not static but dynamic. Believers are called to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" ([[2 Peter 3:18]]). This implies a continuous, intentional advancement in faith, understanding, and character.
2. **Effort and Intentionality in Spiritual Growth:** The root meaning of "cutting a path" suggests that spiritual progress is not automatic or effortless. It requires active engagement, discipline, and the overcoming of spiritual obstacles (sin, worldly influences, spiritual warfare). It is a journey that demands intentionality and perseverance.
3. **The Neutrality of Progress:** Perhaps the most profound theological insight from προκόπτω is its moral neutrality. While it can describe positive growth (Jesus, the Christian's call to maturity), it can equally describe intense but misdirected zeal (Paul's Judaism) or, alarmingly, the escalating spread of evil and ungodliness ([[2 Timothy 2:16]], [[2 Timothy 3:13]]). This serves as a potent warning: not all "progress" is good. The direction and nature of one's advancement are paramount.
4. **Discernment is Crucial:** The negative uses in 2 Timothy underscore the critical need for discernment within the church. Believers must not only strive for progress but also vigilantly assess *what* they are progressing in and *where* that progress is leading. The "night" is προκόπτω ([[Romans 13:12]]), urging believers to live in the light, recognizing the urgency of the times and the need for true, godly advancement.
### Summary
The Greek word προκόπτω (prokóptō, `{{G4298}}`) fundamentally signifies active advancement, progress, or making headway, rooted in the idea of "cutting a path forward." Its application in the New Testament is remarkably versatile. It describes the holistic growth of Jesus ([[Luke 2:52]]), the temporal progression of time ([[Romans 13:12]]), and Paul's fervent, albeit misguided, zeal in Judaism ([[Galatians 1:14]]). Crucially, προκόπτω also depicts the insidious and escalating spread of ungodliness and deception ([[2 Timothy 2:16]], [[2 Timothy 3:13]]), though this negative progress can be halted ([[2 Timothy 3:9]]). The word thus emphasizes the *process* of moving forward, but its theological weight lies in the critical distinction between progress *towards* godliness and progress *into* evil. It calls believers to intentional, discerning spiritual advancement, ever watchful of the direction and nature of their "cutting a path" in this world.
TRV