### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προλέγω (prolegō, `{{G4302}}`) is a compound formed from the preposition πρό (pro), meaning "before" or "in advance," and the verb λέγω (legō, `{{G3004}}`), meaning "to say" or "to speak." The fundamental meaning is thus "to say beforehand" or "to speak in advance." This core meaning branches into two primary semantic applications within the New Testament:
1. **Prediction/Foretelling:** To declare or announce future events before they occur, often with a prophetic dimension. This involves speaking about what *will* happen.
2. **Forewarning/Prior Instruction:** To give a warning, instruction, or admonition in advance, before a particular situation or consequence arises. This involves speaking about what *should* or *should not* happen, or what *is already known* to the speaker and communicated to the hearer for their benefit.
Both aspects carry an inherent sense of authority and intentionality on the part of the speaker, aiming to prepare the audience, whether for future events or for ethical conduct.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb προλέγω appears seven times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles, and once in a citation from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah.
* **[[Romans 9:29]]**: "And just as Isaiah προεῖπεν (a form of προλέγω), 'Unless the Lord of hosts had left us a posterity, we would have become like Sodom and would have resembled Gomorrah.'" Here, προλέγω clearly refers to a prophetic utterance, a divine declaration concerning future judgment and preservation, spoken by Isaiah long before its fulfillment. It underscores God's sovereign foreknowledge and His faithfulness to His remnant.
* **[[2 Corinthians 7:3]]**: "I do not say this to condemn you, for I have προείρηκα (a form of προλέγω) before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together." Paul uses προλέγω here to refer to something he has stated previously to the Corinthians, likely in a previous letter or personal interaction. It functions as a reminder of his deep affection and commitment to them, emphasizing a prior declaration of his pastoral love rather than a prediction.
* **[[Galatians 1:9]]**: "As we have προειρήκαμεν (a form of προλέγω) before, so I say again now: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be accursed." This is a powerful reiteration of a prior warning. Paul had previously warned the Galatians about false teachers and a distorted gospel. The use of προλέγω here emphasizes the gravity and consistency of his apostolic warning, demonstrating that the threat of apostasy was not new, nor was his condemnation of it.
* **[[Galatians 5:21]]**: "envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I προλέγω to you, as I προεῖπον (a form of προλέγω) before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This verse contains a double use of the verb. Paul is reminding the Galatians of a previous, specific warning he had given them concerning the consequences of engaging in works of the flesh. The προλέγω here is a solemn forewarning about eternal judgment, emphasizing the serious implications of their moral choices.
* **[[1 Thessalonians 3:4]]**: "For when we were with you, we προελέγομεν (a form of προλέγω) to you that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and as you know." Here, προλέγω refers to a prior prediction or forewarning given by Paul and his companions to the Thessalonians about the persecutions they would face. The fact that the affliction "has come to pass" validates their prior statement, confirming its truthfulness and the divine insight behind it. This served to prepare the believers for hardship and to strengthen their faith amidst trials.
* **[[1 Thessalonians 4:6]]**: "that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we also προείπαμεν (a form of προλέγω) to you καὶ διεμαρτυράμεθα (and solemnly warned you)." This instance highlights Paul's prior instruction and warning regarding sexual immorality. The addition of διεμαρτυράμεθα (solemnly warned) reinforces the earnestness and authority of the προλέγω. It was not merely a casual statement but a serious admonition given in advance to guide their conduct and protect them from sin and its consequences.
Across these occurrences, προλέγω consistently points to a communication given *beforehand*, whether it be a prophetic declaration, an apostolic admonition, or a pastoral warning. The speaker's authority and the recipient's responsibility to heed the message are implicit.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of προλέγω intersects with several other significant Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **λέγω (legō, `{{G3004}}`):** The base verb, signifying the act of speaking or saying. προλέγω adds the dimension of speaking *in advance*.
* **προφητεύω (prophēteuō, `{{G4395}}`):** To prophesy, to speak under divine inspiration, often but not exclusively involving foretelling future events. While προλέγω can describe prophetic speech, προφητεύω specifically denotes the divine origin of the message.
* **κηρύσσω (kēryssō, `{{G2784}}`):** To proclaim, to preach, to announce publicly. This often involves declaring a message that has immediate relevance, whereas προλέγω emphasizes the *pre-emptive* nature of the communication.
* **προαγγέλλω (proangellō, `{{G4293}}`):** To announce beforehand. Similar in meaning to προλέγω, but perhaps with a stronger emphasis on the *announcement* aspect.
* **προγινώσκω (proginōskō, `{{G4267}}`):** To know beforehand. This relates to divine foreknowledge, which often undergirds the ability to προλέγω.
* **παραγγέλλω (parangellō, `{{G3853}}`):** To command, to instruct, to charge. This term often carries the weight of an authoritative directive, which can be part of a προλέγω (forewarning).
* **Prophecy:** The divine revelation of future events or truths.
* **Divine Foreknowledge:** God's perfect and complete knowledge of all things past, present, and future.
* **Apostolic Authority:** The right and power of the apostles to teach, warn, and command on behalf of Christ.
* **Pastoral Care:** The shepherd-like concern for the spiritual well-being and protection of the flock.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of προλέγω is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge:** When προλέγω refers to prophetic utterances (e.g., [[Romans 9:29]], [[1 Thessalonians 3:4]]), it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over history and His perfect foreknowledge. The fulfillment of such "fore-spoken" words serves as powerful evidence of God's truthfulness and His active involvement in human affairs. It assures believers that God's plans will unfold as declared.
2. **Apostolic Authority and Responsibility:** Paul's frequent use of προλέγω highlights his apostolic authority and his deep pastoral responsibility. He "fore-speaks" warnings and instructions not out of personal opinion, but as a faithful steward of the gospel, preparing believers for challenges (e.g., [[1 Thessalonians 3:4]]), guiding them in ethical conduct (e.g., [[Galatians 5:21]], [[1 Thessalonians 4:6]]), and safeguarding them from false teachings (e.g., [[Galatians 1:9]]). This act of forewarning is an expression of love and concern, aiming to prevent error and promote spiritual maturity.
3. **Ethical Imperative and Accountability:** The "forewarnings" delivered through προλέγω carry an ethical imperative. By speaking in advance about the consequences of sin or the necessity of certain behaviors, the speaker establishes a clear standard and makes the hearers accountable. The fact that they were "told beforehand" removes any excuse for ignorance or disobedience. This emphasizes the seriousness of God's commands and the reality of divine judgment for those who disregard them.
4. **Confirmation and Trust:** The fulfillment of a προλέγω (as seen in [[1 Thessalonians 3:4]]) serves to confirm the truthfulness of the speaker and the divine origin of the message. This builds trust and strengthens the faith of the recipients, assuring them that the apostles were indeed speaking God's word.
### Summary
προλέγω (prolegō, `{{G4302}}`) is a significant Greek verb meaning "to say beforehand" or "to speak in advance." Its usage in the New Testament encompasses both the **prediction of future events** (often with a prophetic dimension, revealing God's foreknowledge and sovereignty) and **prior instruction or solemn forewarning** (primarily by the Apostle Paul, demonstrating apostolic authority, pastoral care, and establishing ethical accountability). Whether foretelling future suffering or warning against sinful practices, προλέγω consistently conveys a message given with intentionality and authority, designed to prepare, guide, and protect the recipients, underscoring the truthfulness of God's word and the serious implications of heeding or disregarding it.
TRV