### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4385 (προτείνω, *proteínō*) is a compound word derived from the preposition πρό (*pro*), meaning "before" or "forward," and the verb τείνω (*teínō*), meaning "to stretch" or "to extend." Literally, therefore, προτείνω signifies "to stretch forth" or "to extend forward." In classical Greek, it could refer to stretching out a hand, extending a line, or even protracting a speech. However, its semantic range in the New Testament is notably narrow and specific. It is used in a specialized sense to describe the act of stretching out a person, often by binding them, in preparation for a severe physical punishment, specifically scourging. This implies a forceful, violent, and restraining action, positioning the individual in a vulnerable state for impending suffering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G4385 (προτείνω) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 22:25]]: "And as they **stretched him forth** with the thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?" (KJV)
This singular occurrence provides a vivid and crucial context for understanding the word's specific meaning. Paul has been arrested in Jerusalem and brought into the barracks. The Roman tribune, Claudius Lysias, orders Paul to be examined by scourging to ascertain why the crowd was so agitated against him. The phrase "as they stretched him forth with the thongs" (ὡς δὲ προέτειναν αὐτὸν τοῖς ἱμᾶσιν) depicts the soldiers' action of physically extending Paul's body, likely binding his arms or wrists to a post or pillar, making him taut and vulnerable for the lashing. The "thongs" (ἱμᾶσιν, *himásin*) refer to the leather straps or whips used for scourging, further emphasizing the brutal nature of the impending punishment. Paul's immediate question, appealing to his Roman citizenship and uncondemned status, highlights the illegality and injustice of the soldiers' actions, which were in direct violation of Roman law prohibiting the scourging of a Roman citizen without a trial. The word προτείνω thus powerfully conveys the preliminary, brutal act of preparing a person for torture.
### Related Words & Concepts
While G4385 (προτείνω) is unique in its specific application within the New Testament, its meaning connects to several related lexical fields:
* **Words of Stretching/Extending:** Other Greek verbs like `{{G1614}}` (ἐκτείνω, *ekteínō*), meaning "to stretch out" (often a hand, e.g., [[Matthew 8:3]]), and `{{G5265}}` (ὑποτείνω, *hypoteínō*), meaning "to stretch under" or "to yield," share the base τείνω. However, προτείνω is distinguished by its prefix πρό and its specific violent application to a person.
* **Words of Binding/Restraint:** Verbs such as `{{G1210}}` (δέω, *deō*), meaning "to bind" or "to tie" (e.g., [[Acts 21:11]]), and nouns like `{{G261}}` (ἁλυσις, *halysis*), "a chain" (e.g., [[Acts 12:6]]), describe the act or instrument of physical restraint. προτείνω describes the preparatory action *leading to* or *in conjunction with* binding for punishment.
* **Words of Scourging/Punishment:** Terms like `{{G3146}}` (μαστιγόω, *mastigoō*), "to scourge" (e.g., [[Matthew 20:19]]), and `{{G3148}}` (μάστιξ, *mastix*), "a whip" or "scourge," denote the actual act and instrument of the punishment that προτείνω precedes.
* **Concepts:** The word evokes concepts of unjust suffering, physical violence, Roman legal procedures (and their violation), and the vulnerability of those subjected to imperial power.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, the theological significance of G4385 (προτείνω) is profound.
1. **Portrayal of Apostolic Suffering:** It starkly illustrates the severe physical trials faced by the apostles for the sake of the Gospel. Paul was not merely arrested; he was being prepared for a brutal, humiliating, and potentially fatal punishment. This highlights the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution in the early church.
2. **Injustice and Due Process:** The act of "stretching forth" Paul for scourging without a proper trial underscores the grave injustice he faced. As a Roman citizen, he was entitled to specific legal protections, which were being flagrantly violated. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the arbitrary power wielded by authorities and the vulnerability of the innocent.
3. **Echoes of Christ's Suffering:** The scene resonates with the suffering of Christ, who was also scourged before His crucifixion ([[Matthew 27:26]], [[Mark 15:15]], [[John 19:1]]). While Paul's scourging was averted, the preparation for it connects his experience to the unjust suffering of his Lord, reinforcing the theme of suffering with Christ ([[Philippians 3:10]]).
4. **Divine Providence and Courage:** The use of προτείνω sets the stage for Paul's courageous and quick-witted appeal to his Roman citizenship, which ultimately saved him from the scourging. It demonstrates God's providential care for His servants even in moments of extreme peril, and the apostle's reliance on both divine wisdom and earthly rights.
### Summary
The Greek verb G4385 (προτείνω, *proteínō*), meaning "to stretch forth" or "to extend forward," carries a specific and potent connotation in its sole New Testament occurrence. In [[Acts 22:25]], it describes the violent act of physically stretching and binding Paul in preparation for a Roman scourging, highlighting the brutal prelude to severe punishment. This single usage powerfully conveys the unjust suffering, physical vulnerability, and imminent danger faced by the apostle. The word serves as a vivid reminder of the harsh realities of early Christian persecution, the importance of legal rights, and the providential care of God amidst profound trials, drawing a poignant parallel to the unjust suffering of Christ Himself.
TRV