from πρός and dokeuo (to watch); to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await:--(be in) expect(-ation), look (for), when looked, tarry, wait for.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **prosdokáō**, represented by `{{G4328}}`, means **to anticipate** or **await**, often with a sense of expectation rooted in thought, hope, or fear. It appears 18 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible. The word implies an active state of looking for or tarrying for a future person or event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4328}}` is used in several key contexts. It is central to the question of Jesus' Messianic identity, as when John the Baptist's disciples ask, "Art thou he that should come? or **look we for** another?" ([[Luke 7:20]]; [[Matthew 11:3]]). The word also carries a strong sense of eschatological hope, as believers are described as **looking for** new heavens and a new earth [[2 Peter 3:13]] and the coming of the day of God [[2 Peter 3:12]]. Conversely, it is used in parables to warn of judgment, where a lord returns on a day when his servant **looketh not for** him, appointing his portion with the unbelievers [[Luke 12:46]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of anticipation and waiting:
* `{{G1260}}` **dialogízomai** (to deliberate, muse, reason): This word is used alongside `{{G4328}}` to describe the crowd's internal state; as they were in **expectation**, they **mused** in their hearts whether John was the Christ [[Luke 3:15]].
* `{{G2064}}` **érchomai** (to come or go): This verb often describes the object of expectation. The disciples of John ask if Jesus is "he that should **come**" or if they should **look for** another, directly linking the act of coming with the act of expecting [[Matthew 11:3]].
* `{{G3952}}` **parousía** (coming, presence): This term for an advent or coming is the specific event believers are **looking for** `{{G4328}}`, as seen in the call to anticipate the **coming** of the day of God [[2 Peter 3:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4328}}` is significant, highlighting a required posture of faith.
* **Messianic Inquiry:** The word frames the pivotal question of the gospels: identifying the awaited Christ. It is used by those actively seeking to know if Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy [[Luke 7:19]].
* **Eschatological Hope:** For believers, `{{G4328}}` defines an active hope in God's promises. It is not passive waiting but an eager **looking for** the "new heavens and a new earth" [[2 Peter 3:13]] and being found blameless in him [[2 Peter 3:14]].
* **Vigilance and Judgment:** The term serves as a stark warning. The unprepared servant who does not **look for** his master's return faces being cut asunder ([[Luke 12:46]]; [[Matthew 24:50]]), linking a lack of expectation with severe consequences.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4328}}` conveys an active and consequential form of anticipation. It ranges from the crowd's hopeful but uncertain **expectation** concerning John the Baptist [[Luke 3:15]] to the focused, eschatological hope of the believer **looking for** the Lord's return [[2 Peter 3:12]]. The word underscores that how one awaits future events—whether with vigilance or unawareness—has profound spiritual implications.
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