neuter of πρῶτος as adverb (with or without ὁ); firstly (in time, place, order, or importance):--before, at the beginning, chiefly (at, at the) first (of all).
Transliteration:prōton
Pronunciation:pro'-ton
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word πρῶτον (prōton, `{{G4412}}`) is the neuter form of the adjective πρῶτος (prōtos, `{{G4413}}`), used adverbially. Its fundamental meaning is "firstly," encompassing a range of applications:
* **Temporal Priority:** It can denote chronological precedence, indicating something that occurs "at first," "before," or "at the beginning" of a sequence of events.
* **Spatial Priority:** Less commonly, it can refer to being "first in place" or at the forefront.
* **Ordinal Priority:** It signifies sequence or order, marking the initial item in a series.
* **Priority of Importance/Preeminence:** Crucially, πρῶτον often conveys a sense of chief importance, primary significance, or preeminence. In this sense, it means "above all," "chiefly," or "most importantly."
The precise nuance is determined by the context, but the overarching theme is that of setting a foundational or primary element, whether in time, order, or significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb πρῶτον appears frequently in the New Testament, illuminating various aspects of divine order, human responsibility, and salvation history.
* **Chronological Sequence:** In many instances, πρῶτον simply denotes the initial step or event in a series. For example, Jesus states, "But *first* must he suffer many things and be rejected by this generation" [[Luke 17:25]], indicating a necessary precursor to His glory. Similarly, Paul often outlines a sequence of events in his arguments, as in "For *first* Moses says..." [[Romans 10:19]], referring to an earlier prophetic utterance.
* **Divine Order in Salvation History:** A significant theological application is found in the phrase "to the Jew *first* and also to the Greek" [[Romans 1:16]], repeated in [[Acts 3:26]] and [[Acts 13:46]]. This usage highlights God's historical covenantal relationship with Israel, through whom salvation was initially offered, before its universal extension to the Gentiles. It speaks to God's faithfulness to His chosen people while simultaneously revealing the expansive nature of His redemptive plan.
* **Priority of Importance/Ethical Imperative:** Perhaps the most profound use of πρῶτον is its emphasis on preeminence or chief importance. Jesus' command, "But seek *first* His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" [[Matthew 6:33]], elevates the pursuit of God's reign and character above all earthly concerns. This is not merely a suggestion of sequence but an absolute priority for the believer's life. Similarly, Paul urges Timothy, "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men" [[1 Timothy 2:1]], indicating the primary importance of intercessory prayer in the life of the church.
* **Order within the Church:** In discussing spiritual gifts and church structure, Paul writes, "And God has appointed in the church, *first* apostles, *second* prophets, *third* teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues" [[1 Corinthians 12:28]]. Here, πρῶτον establishes a divinely ordained hierarchy of function and importance within the body of Christ, crucial for its proper operation and edification.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πρῶτος (prōtos, `{{G4413}}`):** The adjective "first," "foremost," "chief." πρῶτον is its neuter form used adverbially. The adjective πρῶτος is itself used to describe Christ's preeminence, such as "the *firstborn* of all creation" [[Colossians 1:15]] and "the *First* and the Last" [[Revelation 1:17]]. The adverb πρῶτον often reinforces the practical outworking of this divine order.
* **ἀρχή (archē, `{{G746}}`):** "Beginning," "origin," "rule," "principality." While πρῶτον can denote "at the beginning," ἀρχή refers to the beginning point itself or the foundational principle from which something originates. πρῶτον describes the *state* of being first, whereas ἀρχή describes the *source* or *commencement*.
* **πρότερος (proteros, `{{G4387}}`):** "Earlier," "former." Similar in temporal meaning to πρῶτον, but πρῶτον often carries a stronger connotation of preeminence or primary importance beyond mere chronological order.
* **Concepts of Divine Order and Priority:** The consistent use of πρῶτον underscores the biblical emphasis on God's sovereignty in establishing order, both in creation and redemption. It highlights that certain truths, commands, or individuals hold a primary position in His divine economy.
### Theological Significance
The adverb πρῶτον carries significant theological weight, particularly when it signifies priority of importance.
* **The Supremacy of God's Kingdom:** The command to "seek *first* His kingdom and His righteousness" [[Matthew 6:33]] is foundational to Christian discipleship. It establishes an absolute theological priority: allegiance to God and His will must supersede all other pursuits, including material needs. This reflects the essence of the first commandment and calls believers to a life centered on divine purposes.
* **God's Covenant Faithfulness and Universal Salvation:** The repeated emphasis on the gospel being preached "to the Jew *first*" [[Romans 1:16]] affirms God's faithfulness to His historical covenants with Israel. Simultaneously, the inclusion of "and also to the Greek" underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, ensuring that salvation is offered to all humanity, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.
* **Divine Ordering within the Church:** The hierarchical listing of spiritual gifts and offices with apostles *first* [[1 Corinthians 12:28]] speaks to God's intentional design for the functioning of His church. It implies that certain roles and ministries are foundational and primary for the church's health and mission, reflecting a divine wisdom in establishing order.
* **Foundational Truths and Prerequisites:** When πρῶτον introduces a teaching or command, it often points to a foundational truth or a necessary prerequisite for subsequent actions or understanding. This emphasizes the importance of understanding and adhering to primary principles in faith and practice before moving to secondary considerations.
### Summary
The Greek word πρῶτον (prōton, `{{G4412}}`), derived from the adjective πρῶτος (prōtos, `{{G4413}}`), functions as an adverb meaning "firstly." Its semantic range encompasses chronological order, spatial position, and, most significantly, priority of importance or preeminence. In the New Testament, πρῶτον is crucial for understanding the historical unfolding of God's redemptive plan, particularly the initial offering of salvation to the Jews before the Gentiles [[Romans 1:16]]. More profoundly, it highlights the absolute theological priorities for believers, such as the command to "seek *first* His kingdom" [[Matthew 6:33]], establishing the supremacy of God's will in all aspects of life. It also delineates divinely ordained order within the church [[1 Corinthians 12:28]]. Thus, πρῶτον underscores the fundamental importance of divine order, essential priorities in faith and practice, and the structured progression of God's work in salvation history.
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