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 verb προοράω (prooráō `{{G4308}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρό (pro `{{G4253}}`), meaning "before" or "in front of," and the verb ὁράω (horáō `{{G3708}}`), meaning "to see," "to behold," or "to perceive." Etymologically, it signifies "to see beforehand" or "to behold in advance." The semantic range of προοράω encompasses both a futuristic foresight and a continuous present awareness. In its active voice, it denotes the act of noticing or perceiving something previously or in advance. In its middle voice, as indicated in the base definition, it conveys the sense of keeping something continually in one's own view, maintaining a constant perception or awareness of it. This distinction between a singular act of foresight and an ongoing state of awareness is crucial for understanding its biblical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προοράω appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Acts 2:25]]. In Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, he quotes from Psalm 16:8, attributing the words to David concerning the Messiah: "For David says concerning Him: 'I *saw the Lord always before me*, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken.'" The Greek phrase used here is "τὸν Κύριον *προωρώμην* ἐνώπιόν μου διὰ παντός" (ton Kyrion *proorōmēn* enōpion mou dia pantos).
The verb προωρώμην is the imperfect middle indicative of προοράω. The imperfect tense signifies an ongoing or continuous action in the past, while the middle voice emphasizes that the subject (David) is performing the action for his own benefit or with a particular interest in the outcome. Therefore, "I *saw the Lord always before me*" is best understood not merely as David having a single prophetic vision of the Lord in the future, but rather as his constant, unwavering awareness and keeping of the Lord in his immediate spiritual and mental view. It speaks to a continuous, lived experience of God's presence and guidance. Peter uses this quote to demonstrate that David, by divine inspiration, prophetically understood the resurrection and ascension of Christ, even though his primary personal experience was a continuous awareness of God's presence. This continuous "seeing before" or "keeping in view" served as the foundation for his prophetic insight into the future.
### Related Words & Concepts
προοράω shares its root with ὁράω (horáō `{{G3708}}`), the general verb for seeing, and is compounded by πρό (pro `{{G4253}}`), indicating precedence. Its semantic field overlaps with other Greek words related to divine knowledge, planning, and foresight:
* προγινώσκω (proginōskō `{{G4267}}`): "to know beforehand," "to foreknow." While προοράω emphasizes visual perception or sustained awareness, προγινώσκω focuses on prior intellectual apprehension or knowledge.
* προεῖπον (proeidon `{{G4277}}`): "to speak beforehand," "to foretell." This term relates to verbal prophecy, distinct from the visual or perceptual aspect of προοράω.
* προορίζω (proorizō `{{G4309}}`): "to predetermine," "to predestine." This word implies a prior decision or setting of boundaries, a divine decree, which goes beyond merely seeing or knowing in advance.
While these terms all touch upon the concept of "before-ness" in divine action or human understanding, προοράω uniquely highlights the aspect of visual perception and, particularly in its middle voice, the continuous maintenance of a subject in one's field of awareness. In [[Acts 2:25]], it underscores David's sustained, conscious orientation towards God, which then became the conduit for prophetic insight into Christ's future.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of προοράω in [[Acts 2:25]] carries profound theological weight. It is embedded within Peter's pivotal sermon, which explicates the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
1. **Divine Foresight and Omniscience:** While the verb describes David's action, it implicitly points to God's overarching plan and knowledge. David's "seeing" is not merely human speculation but divinely inspired insight into God's predetermined will for the Messiah. It underscores that God's redemptive plan for humanity, culminating in Christ's resurrection, was not an afterthought but eternally purposed.
2. **The Enduring Presence of God:** The middle voice usage ("I *saw the Lord always before me*") emphasizes David's constant, intimate communion with God. This is not a fleeting vision but a continuous, abiding awareness of God's presence, guidance, and sovereignty. It speaks to a life lived in conscious dependence upon the Almighty, a model for all believers.
3. **Prophetic Foundation for Christ's Resurrection:** David's prophetic "seeing" of the Lord, specifically His not being abandoned to Hades and His flesh not seeing corruption, provides a crucial Old Testament witness to the certainty of Christ's resurrection. It establishes a continuity between the Old Covenant promises and their New Covenant fulfillment, demonstrating that the events surrounding Jesus were not random but part of God's unfolding, pre-ordained plan.
4. **Confidence in God's Steadfastness:** For David, keeping the Lord "always before me" meant that the Lord was "at my right hand that I may not be shaken." This signifies unwavering trust and security rooted in the constant awareness of God's protective and supportive presence. It speaks to the believer's confidence in the face of adversity, knowing that God is ever-present and faithful.
### Summary
προοράω (prooráō `{{G4308}}`) is a significant Greek verb, meaning "to see beforehand" or, more profoundly in its middle voice, "to keep continually in view." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 2:25]] describes David's continuous, conscious awareness of the Lord's presence, which served as the basis for his prophetic insight into the resurrection of Christ. This word highlights both divine foresight, as God's plan for the Messiah was revealed through David, and the vital spiritual discipline of maintaining an unbroken awareness of God's presence in one's life. It underscores the theological truth of God's unwavering plan of redemption and the believer's security found in constant communion with Him.
TRV