### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **proporeúomai**, represented by `{{G4313}}`, is used to mean **to precede (as guide or herald):--go before**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is formed from **pró** `{{G4253}}`, meaning "before," combined with `poreúomai`, creating the specific action of leading the way or moving in advance of others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4313}}` is used in two key contexts. It describes the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist, who was foretold to **go before** the face of the Lord to **prepare** `{{G2090}}` his **ways** `{{G3598}}` [[Luke 1:76]]. This usage frames the word in the context of a herald announcing a great arrival. It is also used in Stephen's speech recounting Israel's history, where the people demanded that Aaron make them gods to **go before** them in the wilderness, functioning as guides after they presumed Moses `{{G3475}}` was lost [[Acts 7:40]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and context of `{{G4313}}`:
* `{{G2090}}` **hetoimázō** (to prepare): This word is directly linked to the purpose of going before. In the prophecy concerning John the Baptist, he is to **go before** the Lord specifically **to prepare** His ways [[Luke 1:76]].
* `{{G3598}}` **hodós** (a road; by implication, a progress... a mode or means): This represents the path or **way** that a forerunner prepares. The act of going before creates a way for others to follow [[Luke 1:76]].
* `{{G1806}}` **exágō** (to lead forth): This term for leadership is used in the context of Moses, who **brought** the Israelites out of Egypt [[Acts 7:40]]. The people's demand for gods to **go before** them arises from the absence of the one who used to **lead** them **forth**.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4313}}` is centered on the concepts of divine preparation and leadership.
* **The Role of the Forerunner:** The word is used to define the crucial ministry of a prophetic forerunner. John the Baptist's purpose was to **go before** the face of the Lord, heralding His arrival and preparing His ways [[Luke 1:76]]. This establishes a theological pattern of preparation preceding divine action.
* **Divine vs. Human Guidance:** The use in Acts highlights the theme of guidance. The Israelites' demand for gods to **go before** them demonstrates a crisis of faith and a turn towards false leadership in the absence of their God-appointed guide, Moses [[Acts 7:40]]. This contrasts the steadfastness of divine guidance with the fallibility of human-made substitutes.
* **Preparing the Way:** The act of preceding is not passive; it is an active preparation. To **go before** the Lord is to **prepare** `{{G2090}}` a path for Him, signifying the need for hearts and lives to be made ready for His coming [[Luke 1:76]].
### Summary
In summary, **proporeúomai** `{{G4313}}` is a specific term for preceding or leading the way. Though it appears only twice, its usage is significant, illustrating two key concepts: the prophetic role of a forerunner who prepares the way for the Lord [[Luke 1:76]], and the human need for a guide to lead them [[Acts 7:40]]. The word captures the essence of both heralding a significant arrival and providing leadership on a journey, making it a concise but potent term in the biblical narrative.