### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προφέρω (prophérō, `{{G4393}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρό (pro), meaning "before" or "forward," and the verb φέρω (pherō, `{{G5342}}`), meaning "to bear," "to carry," or "to bring." The combination thus conveys the sense of "to bear forward" or "to bring forth." This implies an act of producing or manifesting something that was previously contained or hidden. It is not merely the act of carrying, but of bringing something out into the open, making it visible or evident. The semantic range is narrow, primarily focused on the idea of outward manifestation from an inward source, particularly in a metaphorical sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word προφέρω occurs only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 6:45]]**: "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart **brings forth** (προφέρω) good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure **brings forth** (προφέρω) evil; for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."
In this pivotal verse, Jesus employs προφέρω to describe the inevitable outflow of a person's inner character. The "treasure of the heart" represents the accumulated moral and spiritual disposition of an individual. Whether this treasure is "good" or "evil," it is what the person "brings forth" or "produces" in their words and actions. The verb emphasizes the direct causal link: what is deeply embedded within the heart is what ultimately manifests externally. This is a profound statement on the origin of human behavior, asserting that outward expressions are not superficial but are symptoms of a deeper, internal reality. The context is part of Jesus' broader teaching on true discipleship, emphasizing that genuine righteousness stems from a transformed heart, not merely outward conformity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of προφέρω is φέρω (pherō, `{{G5342}}`), which is a versatile verb in the New Testament, often meaning "to bear," "to carry," "to bring," or "to endure." The prefix πρό adds the directional nuance of bringing *forth* or *into view*.
Concepts related to προφέρω include:
* **καρπός (karpos, `{{G2590}}`)**: "fruit." This noun is frequently used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the results or consequences of one's life, whether good (e.g., "fruit of the Spirit" in [[Galatians 5:22]]) or bad. προφέρω describes the *action* of producing this fruit.
* **ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`)**: "to do," "to make," "to produce." While ποιέω is a general verb for action, προφέρω specifically highlights the *source* from which the action originates (the heart) and its inevitable manifestation.
* **ἐκβάλλω (ekballō, `{{G1544}}`)**: "to cast out," "to bring out." This word can also describe bringing something out from within, but προφέρω carries a stronger sense of natural emanation or production from an internal reservoir.
The emphasis on the "heart" as the source connects προφέρω to the broader biblical anthropology that views the heart as the center of one's being, encompassing intellect, emotion, and will.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of προφέρω in [[Luke 6:45]] carries immense theological weight. It underpins the biblical understanding that human actions are not random but are direct expressions of the inner person.
1. **The Heart as the Wellspring:** This verse unequivocally establishes the heart as the source from which all good or evil emanates. It challenges any superficial understanding of morality that focuses solely on external behavior, asserting that true righteousness or wickedness originates from the deepest part of one's being. This aligns with Old Testament wisdom, such as [[Proverbs 4:23]]: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
2. **Inescapable Revelation:** The use of προφέρω implies an inevitable and spontaneous production. What is in the heart *will* be brought forth. This means that a person's words and deeds serve as an accurate diagnostic tool for the true condition of their heart. There is no hiding the inner reality indefinitely.
3. **Call for Inner Transformation:** Given that outward acts are merely symptoms of an inward state, the theological implication is a call for radical inner transformation. Changing behavior without addressing the heart's "treasure" is futile. This aligns with Jesus' consistent emphasis on repentance and regeneration, where God alone can create a "clean heart" ([[Psalm 51:10]]) and put a "new spirit" ([[Ezekiel 36:26]]) within a person.
4. **Divine Judgment:** The principle of προφέρω also speaks to the basis of divine judgment. God assesses not merely external acts but the heart from which they spring ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]). Individuals will be judged according to what they have "brought forth" from their hearts.
### Summary
The Greek verb προφέρω (prophérō, `{{G4393}}`), derived from πρό ("forward") and φέρω ("to bear"), signifies "to bring forth" or "to produce." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 6:45]] is highly significant. In this context, Jesus uses προφέρω to illustrate that a person's words and actions are the inevitable outward manifestation of their inner character, or the "treasure" stored in their heart. This highlights the biblical truth that the heart is the true wellspring of human behavior, and what is within will inevitably be brought forth into the open. The theological implication is a profound call for inner transformation, emphasizing that genuine righteousness or wickedness originates from the deepest core of one's being, and that this inner state will ultimately be revealed through one's life.
TRV