Lexical Summary prepó: to be fitting, to be proper, to be suitable Original Word: πρέπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance comely. Apparently a primary verb; to tower up (be conspicuous), i.e. (by implication) to be suitable or proper (third person singular present indicative, often used impersonally, it is fit or right) -- become, comely. HELPS Word-studies 4241 prépō (a primitive verb meaning "tower up," "be conspicuous," so Strong's Dictionary) – properly, stand out, be conspicuous, especially in a way that is suitable ("fitting"). 4241 (prepō) refers to acting appropriately in a particular situation, i.e. as it is seemly to God and therefore "'conspicuous amongst others; hence eminent, distinguished. . . seemly fit'" (Vine, Unger, White, NT, 55). [This is also the meaning of this term in Homer, Odyssey 8:172.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to be fitting, proper, suitable NASB Translation fitting (4), proper (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4241: πρέπωπρέπω; imperfect 3 person singular ἔπρεπε; 1. to stand out, to be conspicuous, to be eminent; so from Homer, Iliad 12, 104 down. 2. to be becoming, seemly, fit (from Pindar, Aeschylus, Herodotus down): πρέπει τίνι with a subject nominative, Hebrews 7:26 (Psalm 32:1 Strong’s Greek 4241 captures the idea of what is fitting, becoming, or appropriate in the sight of God. Across seven New Testament occurrences the verb frames actions, attitudes, and offices that accord with divine righteousness, moral purity, sound doctrine, and orderly worship. Christological Fulfillment (Matthew 3:15; Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 7:26) The first canonical use appears at Jesus’ baptism: “Let it be so now; it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way” (Matthew 3:15). Here “fitting” underscores the Messiah’s voluntary submission to the Father’s redemptive plan and validates John’s preparatory ministry. Hebrews employs the term twice in a concentrated Christological argument. Hebrews 2:10 affirms that it “was fitting” for the Creator to perfect the Captain of salvation through suffering. The moral coherence of God’s plan is highlighted: the holy God wisely ordains a saving path consistent with His character. Hebrews 7:26 applies the same concept to Christ’s high-priestly office: “Such a high priest indeed was fitting for us—one who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” The installment of a sinless, exalted Mediator is not merely advantageous but inherently appropriate to meet humanity’s need and safeguard divine holiness. Moral Integrity among the Saints (Ephesians 5:3; 1 Timothy 2:10) Paul turns the word toward Christian ethics: “But among you, as is proper among saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed” (Ephesians 5:3). Conduct that aligns with the believer’s new identity must match the purity of God Himself. Likewise, 1 Timothy 2:10 directs women to adorn themselves “with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.” Outward appearance must reflect inward devotion, demonstrating that godliness demands corresponding behavior in every sphere of life. Sound Doctrine and Pastoral Instruction (Titus 2:1) Paul exhorts Titus, “But as for you, speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine.” Teaching that is “fitting” safeguards the church against error, preserves the gospel’s beauty, and nurtures spiritual health. The term here affirms a seamless link between doctrine and practice: truth that is orthodox must also be orthoprax. Orderly Worship and Natural Propriety (1 Corinthians 11:13) “Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?” In the Corinthian assembly, fittingness addresses external symbols that reflect created order and communal testimony. While cultural expressions vary, the apostolic principle remains: worship should visibly honor God-ordained distinctions and avoid confusion. Theological Reflection Across its occurrences, the verb highlights a moral coherence between God’s nature and God’s works. Whether describing the sinless High Priest, the perfection of salvation through suffering, or the everyday choices of believers, the New Testament insists that what God ordains and what His people practice must “fit” His holiness. Ministry Application 1. Preaching and teaching ought to present a gospel that is intrinsically harmonious with God’s revealed character (Titus 2:1). Summary Strong’s 4241 consistently ties what is “proper” to the unchanging holiness of God. In Christ’s redemptive mission and in the church’s ethical, doctrinal, and liturgical life, Scripture calls every believer to pursue that which is worthy of the Lord and consonant with His righteousness. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 3:15 V-PPA-NNSGRK: οὕτως γὰρ πρέπον ἐστὶν ἡμῖν NAS: for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill KJV: for thus it becometh us to fulfil INT: thus indeed fitting it is to us 1 Corinthians 11:13 V-PPA-NNS Ephesians 5:3 V-PIA-3S 1 Timothy 2:10 V-PIA-3S Titus 2:1 V-PIA-3S Hebrews 2:10 V-IIA-3S Hebrews 7:26 V-IIA-3S Strong's Greek 4241 |
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