Lexical Summary proamartanó: To sin previously, to have sinned beforehand Original Word: προαμαρτάνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sin already, heretofore sin. From pro and hamartano; to sin previously (to conversion) -- sin already, heretofore sin. see GREEK pro see GREEK hamartano NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pro and hamartanó Definition to sin before NASB Translation sinned in the past (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4258: προαμαρτάνωπροαμαρτάνω: perfect participle προημαρτηκως; to sin before: οἱ προημαρτηκοτες, of those who before receiving baptism had been guilty of the vices especially common muong the Gentiles, 2 Corinthians 12:21; 2 Corinthians 13:2; in this same sense also in Justin Martyr, Apology i. e. 61; Clement of Alexandria, strom. 4, 12; cf. Lücke, Conjectanea Exeget. I. (Götting. 1837), p. 14ff (but on the reference of the προ( see Meyer on 2 Cor. the passages cited (R. V. heretofore)). (Herodian, 3, 14, 18 (14 edition, Bekker); ecclesiastical writings.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 4258 appears twice, both in Paul’s second canonical letter to the Corinthians. It designates those who “have sinned previously,” highlighting a pattern of persistent wrongdoing that preceded and prompted apostolic intervention. Scriptural Usage • 2 Corinthians 12:21 – “I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may grieve over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery in which they indulged.” In both passages Paul addresses an unrepentant minority within the church whose prior sins had not been dealt with. Context within 2 Corinthians Paul is preparing for his third visit (2 Corinthians 13:1). Earlier correspondence (1 Corinthians and the lost “tearful letter,” 2 Corinthians 2:4) had exposed sexual immorality, divisiveness, and licentiousness. Some offenders repented (2 Corinthians 7:9-11), yet others persisted. The term highlights the distinction between former rebels now restored and those still hardened. Theological Significance 1. Continuity of Holiness: From Leviticus 11:44 to 1 Peter 1:15, Scripture calls God’s people to holiness. The word underscores that past sins, if not forsaken, jeopardize fellowship with God and the church. Church Discipline and Restoration Paul mirrors the pattern laid out in Matthew 18:15-17. Public, unrepentant sin calls for escalating steps: private warning, corporate confrontation, and if required, removal from fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:4-5). The goal is restoration, not retribution (2 Corinthians 2:7-8). Historical Interpretation • Early Fathers (e.g., Chrysostom) saw these verses as precedent for ecclesial correction tempered by pastoral grief. Pastoral Applications 1. Leaders must address longstanding sin graciously yet decisively. Relation to Broader Biblical Themes • Perseverance: Hebrews 12:14 warns that holiness is essential “without which no one will see the Lord.” Practical Reflection The term reminds every generation that past sin cannot be ignored; it must be confessed and forsaken. Churches faithful to apostolic teaching will uphold both mercy and discipline, ensuring that the grace of Christ produces transformed lives (Titus 2:11-14). Forms and Transliterations προανατάξωμαι προανατέλλοντα προαπαγγείλης προάστεια προημαρτηκόσι προημαρτηκοσιν προημαρτηκόσιν προημαρτηκοτων προημαρτηκότων proemartekosin proemartekósin proēmartēkosin proēmartēkósin proemartekoton proemartekóton proēmartēkotōn proēmartēkótōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 12:21 V-RPA-GMPGRK: πολλοὺς τῶν προημαρτηκότων καὶ μὴ NAS: of those who have sinned in the past and not repented KJV: which have sinned already, and INT: many of those who have before sinned and not 2 Corinthians 13:2 V-RPA-DMP Strong's Greek 4258 |
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