from πρό and ὁράω; to behold in advance, i.e. (actively) to notice (another) previously, or (middle voice) to keep in (one's own) view:--foresee, see before.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **prooráō**, represented by `{{G4308}}`, means **to behold in advance** or **foresee**. It appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is formed from πρό ("before") and ὁράω ("to see"), giving it a distinct meaning of seeing something ahead of time. It can be used actively, to notice someone previously, or in the middle voice to describe keeping something in one's own view.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4308}}` is used in two distinct ways. In a prophetic context, David is quoted as saying, "I **foresaw** the Lord always before my face," indicating a constant, forward-looking spiritual vision [[Acts 2:25]]. This usage implies keeping the Lord perpetually in view as a guide and protector. The second usage is more literal, describing a prior observation. In Acts, some individuals had **seen before** Trophimus with Paul in the city, which led them to make an incorrect assumption about Paul bringing him into the temple [[Acts 21:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which `{{G4308}}` is used:
* `{{G1799}}` **enṓpion** (in the face of): This word is used alongside "foresaw" to specify *where* the Lord was seen, emphasizing a direct and constant presence "before my face" [[Acts 2:25]].
* `{{G3543}}` **nomízō** (to deem or regard): This word highlights the consequence of a prior observation. After having "seen before" Trophimus with Paul, the people **supposed** he had been brought into the temple, showing how seeing can lead to an assumption [[Acts 21:29]].
* `{{G1521}}` **eiságō** (to introduce): This term is linked to the incorrect assumption made in [[Acts 21:29]], where the people thought Paul had **brought** a Gentile into the temple, an action they inferred from what they had previously seen.
### Theological Significance
The theological and practical implications of `{{G4308}}` are drawn from its contrasting uses:
* **Prophetic Vision:** The word is used to describe David’s prophetic insight. In saying "I foresaw the Lord always before my face," it signifies a spiritual discipline of keeping God constantly in view, which provides stability and prevents one from being "moved" [[Acts 2:25]].
* **Human Misperception:** In its second use, the word illustrates the fallibility of human observation. Those who had "seen before" Paul with Trophimus made a critical error in judgment, leading to false accusations [[Acts 21:29]]. This contrasts the certainty of divine foresight with the potential for error in simple human sight.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4308}}` **prooráō** is a term with a significant dual application. It can describe the profound, faith-sustaining act of keeping the Lord constantly in one's spiritual sight, as well as the more mundane act of having previously seen something. These two uses create a powerful contrast between divine foresight that leads to steadfastness and flawed human observation that can lead to incorrect and dangerous assumptions.
TRV