from προσδοκάω; apprehension (of evil); by implication, infliction anticipated:--expectation, looking after.
Transliteration:prosdokía
Pronunciation:pros-dok-ee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun προσδοκία (prosdokía, `{{G4329}}`) is derived from the verb προσδοκάω (prosdokaō, `{{G4328}}`), which signifies "to await, expect, or look for." While the root verb can carry a neutral or even positive sense of expectation, the noun προσδοκία, as defined by its usage and lexicographical entries, consistently leans towards a negative connotation. It describes an "apprehension" or "dread," particularly an anticipation of evil, harm, or unwelcome events. The nuance is not merely a neutral looking forward, but rather a state of suspense, anxiety, or fear concerning an impending infliction or calamity. It implies a fearful or anxious waiting, a sense of foreboding about what is to come.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term προσδοκία (prosdokía, `{{G4329}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both instances powerfully illustrating its negative semantic range:
* **[[Luke 21:26]]:** "men fainting from fear and the expectation (προσδοκία) of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken." Here, προσδοκία is directly coupled with "fear" (φόβος, `{{G5401}}`). It describes the overwhelming dread experienced by humanity in the face of the cataclysmic signs preceding the end of the age. This expectation is so potent and terrifying that it causes people to faint, underscoring its nature as a paralyzing apprehension of divine judgment and cosmic upheaval. The context is distinctly eschatological and laden with a sense of impending doom.
* **[[Acts 12:11]]:** "When Peter came to himself, he said, 'Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting (προσδοκία).'" In this narrative of Peter's miraculous deliverance from prison, the "expectation" of the Jewish people refers to their eager anticipation of Peter's execution. This was an expectation of harm and death for Peter, driven by hostility towards the burgeoning Christian movement. Again, the term denotes a malevolent or hostile anticipation, an expectation of a negative outcome for the object of their focus.
Both occurrences firmly establish προσδοκία as an expectation tinged with fear, dread, or hostile anticipation, rather than neutral or positive anticipation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** προσδοκάω (prosdokaō, `{{G4328}}`) is the verb from which προσδοκία is derived. While the verb can be used for both positive (e.g., expecting the Lord's return) and negative (e.g., expecting judgment) outcomes, the noun form appears to have consistently narrowed its focus to the negative.
* **Synonyms of Negative Expectation:** Concepts closely related in meaning when fear or dread is involved include φόβος (phobos, `{{G5401}}`, fear), δέος (deos, dread, awe), and ἀγωνία (agōnia, `{{G74}}`, agony, distress). These terms often describe the emotional state accompanying προσδοκία.
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts:** In stark contrast to the fearful apprehension of προσδοκία are words denoting positive anticipation or steadfastness: ἐλπίς (elpis, `{{G1680}}`, hope), which is a confident expectation of good; and ὑπομονή (hypomonē, `{{G5281}}`, patient endurance), which speaks to a steadfast waiting through difficulty. The "blessed hope" (μακαρία ἐλπίς) of believers ([[Titus 2:13]]) stands in direct opposition to the fearful προσδοκία of the world.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of προσδοκία (prosdokía, `{{G4329}}`) is profound, particularly in its eschatological and soteriological implications:
* **Humanity's Response to Judgment:** In [[Luke 21:26]], προσδοκία vividly portrays the unregenerate human response to the signs of God's impending judgment. It reveals a world gripped by overwhelming dread and despair, unable to cope with the cosmic unraveling. This highlights humanity's inherent vulnerability and lack of control in the face of divine power and the consequences of sin.
* **Contrast with Christian Hope:** The fearful προσδοκία of the world stands in stark contrast to the confident hope (ἐλπίς, `{{G1680}}`) of believers. While the world faints from fear of what is coming, true disciples are exhorted to "stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" ([[Luke 21:28]]). This underscores a fundamental difference in spiritual posture: dread for those without Christ versus joyful anticipation for those awaiting His return.
* **Divine Deliverance:** The account in [[Acts 12:11]] demonstrates God's sovereign power to deliver His servants even from the most determined and hostile "expectation" of their enemies. Peter's miraculous release showcases that no human plot or anticipation, however malevolent, can thwart God's divine purpose or His protective hand over His own. This offers a powerful message of reassurance and God's ultimate authority over human malice and plans.
* **Spiritual Warfare:** The word implicitly speaks to a spiritual battle, where the enemy seeks to instill fear and dread (προσδοκία) in the hearts of people, while God offers peace and deliverance. It serves as a reminder of the debilitating nature of fear and the liberating power of faith.
### Summary
The Greek word προσδοκία (prosdokía, `{{G4329}}`) denotes an "expectation" or "anticipation" that is overwhelmingly negative, characterized by apprehension, dread, or fear of impending evil or harm. Its two occurrences in the New Testament, [[Luke 21:26]] and [[Acts 12:11]], powerfully illustrate this connotation. In Luke, it describes the paralyzing, fearful anticipation of cosmic judgment among unbelievers. In Acts, it refers to the hostile expectation of Peter's execution by his enemies. Theologically, προσδοκία highlights the human condition of dread in the face of uncontrollable circumstances, particularly eschatological events, serving as a stark contrast to the Christian virtue of hope (ἐλπίς, `{{G1680}}`). It underscores the peace and deliverance available through God's intervention, even when human expectations are hostile or fearful, signifying a state of anxious waiting for something unwelcome.
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