middle voice from πρό and a derivative of χείρ; to handle for oneself in advance, i.e. (figuratively) to purpose:--choose, make.
Transliteration:procheirízomai
Pronunciation:prokh-i-rid'-zom-ahee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G4400 (προχειρίζομαι, *procheirízomai*) is a compound word derived from the preposition πρό (*pro*), meaning "before" or "in front of," and a derivative of the noun χείρ (*cheir*), meaning "hand." The verb itself is in the middle voice. Literally, it conveys the idea of "to take into one's hand beforehand" or "to prepare with one's own hand in advance." The middle voice emphasizes that the action is performed by the subject for its own benefit, with a view to its own interest, or by its own initiative.
Figuratively, and as primarily used in the New Testament, G4400 signifies a deliberate, pre-meditated act of choosing, appointing, or designating someone or something for a specific purpose. It carries the nuance of a sovereign, intentional selection made in advance, often by a higher authority. The core semantic range thus encompasses "to choose beforehand," "to appoint beforehand," "to designate," or "to purpose." This implies a prior decision and an active, authoritative setting apart.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G4400 appears twice in the New Testament, both instances found within the book of Acts, highlighting God's sovereign and purposeful action:
1. **[[Acts 3:20]]**: Peter, addressing the crowd in Solomon's Portico after the healing of the lame man, declares, "and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus." Here, the KJV translates G4400 as "before was preached," which can be misleading. More accurate translations render it as "appointed," "designated," or "chosen beforehand" (e.g., ESV, NASB, NIV). The context is eschatological, emphasizing that God has already purposed and designated Jesus as the Messiah, the one He would send. This act of "appointing beforehand" underscores God's divine plan and foreknowledge concerning the person and mission of Jesus, demonstrating His active role in salvation history from eternity.
2. **[[Acts 22:14]]**: In Paul's defense before the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, he recounts Ananias's words to him in Damascus: "The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth." Here, G4400 is translated as "chosen" or "appointed." Ananias's declaration to Saul (Paul) signifies God's specific and prior selection of Paul for a unique ministry: to understand God's will, to encounter the resurrected Christ, and to become His witness. This instance highlights God's sovereign election of individuals for particular tasks within His overarching redemptive plan, a choice made before Paul's conversion.
In both occurrences, G4400 powerfully conveys the idea of God's deliberate, pre-ordained selection, whether of His Son as Messiah or of an individual for a specific calling. The middle voice reinforces that these are God's own initiatives, undertaken for His own purposes and glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by G4400 resonates with several other key biblical terms related to divine initiative, choice, and purpose:
* **Divine Election/Choosing**:
* `{{G1586}}` (ἐκλέγομαι, *eklegomai*): "to choose out, select." This is a broader term for choosing, but G4400 adds the nuance of "choosing *beforehand*."
* `{{G1589}}` (ἐκλογή, *eklogē*): "election, choice." The noun form of `{{G1586}}`.
* **Divine Foreknowledge/Predetermination**:
* `{{G4279}}` (προορίζω, *proorizō*): "to predetermine, predestine." This term emphasizes the setting of boundaries or destiny in advance.
* `{{G4388}}` (προγινώσκω, *proginōskō*): "to know beforehand." While G4400 implies action, `{{G4388}}` speaks to prior knowledge.
* **Divine Appointment/Setting Apart**:
* `{{G5087}}` (τίθημι, *tithēmi*): "to place, appoint, set." Can be used for divine appointment, but lacks the "beforehand" aspect of G4400.
* `{{G2525}}` (καθίστημι, *kathistēmi*): "to appoint, set over." Similar to `{{G5087}}`.
The "hand" component of G4400 subtly connects to the biblical motif of God's active involvement and intervention, His "strong hand" or "outstretched arm" (e.g., `{{H3027}}` for יָד, *yad*, "hand"), signifying His power and authority in carrying out His purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4400 is profound, underscoring several core doctrines:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**: The word strongly affirms God's absolute sovereignty over history and individuals. His actions are not reactive but are part of a pre-conceived, eternal plan. He "chooses beforehand" both His Son for a redemptive mission and His servants for specific roles, demonstrating His comprehensive foreknowledge and control.
2. **God's Initiative in Salvation History**: G4400 highlights that salvation is entirely God's initiative. He procheirízomai Jesus as the Christ, not in response to human merit or desire, but out of His own divine will and love. Similarly, He procheirízomai individuals like Paul for ministry, demonstrating that calling and service originate with Him.
3. **Purposeful Design**: The term implies a deliberate and intentional design behind God's actions. The appointment of Jesus as Messiah was not arbitrary but purposeful, aiming for the reconciliation of humanity to God. Paul's selection was likewise for a specific, strategic mission to the Gentiles. This speaks to the ordered and teleological nature of God's redemptive plan.
4. **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: In the context of [[Acts 3:20]], God's "appointing beforehand" of Jesus connects directly to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. It affirms that Jesus is the promised one, not a mere historical figure, but the divinely designated Christ.
### Summary
G4400 (προχειρίζομαι, *procheirízomai*) is a powerful Greek verb that signifies "to choose beforehand," "to appoint beforehand," or "to designate purposefully." Its two occurrences in the book of Acts are highly significant, revealing God's sovereign and intentional action in salvation history. In [[Acts 3:20]], it underscores God's eternal plan to send Jesus as the designated Messiah. In [[Acts 22:14]], it highlights God's prior selection of Paul for his unique apostolic ministry. The middle voice emphasizes God's self-initiated and purposeful activity. Theologically, G4400 affirms divine sovereignty, foreknowledge, and God's active initiative in bringing about His redemptive purposes, demonstrating that His plans are deliberate, pre-ordained, and infallibly executed.
TRV