Lexical Summary prokeimai: To be set before, to be present, to be appointed Original Word: προκεῖμαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance set forth. From pro and keimai; to lie before the view, i.e. (figuratively) to be present (to the mind), to stand forth (as an example or reward) -- be first, set before (forth). see GREEK pro see GREEK keimai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pro and keimai Definition to be set before, to be set forth NASB Translation exhibited (1), present (1), set before (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4295: πρόκειμαιπρόκειμαι; (πρό (which see d. α.) and κεῖμαι): from Homer down; 1. properly, to lie or be placed before (a person or thing), or in front (often so in Greek writings). 2. to be set before, i. e., a. to be placed before the eyes, to lie in sight; to stand forth: with a predicate nominative, δεῖγμα, as an example, Jude 1:7 (καλόν ὑπόδειγμα σοι πρόκειται, Josephus, b. j. 6, 2, 1). b. equivalent to to be appointed, destined: προκειμενη ἐλπίςt';, the hope open to us, offered, given, Hebrews 6:18; used of those things which by any appointment are destined to be done, borne, or attained by anyone; so προκειμενος ἀγών, Hebrews 12:1; προκειμενος χαρά, the destined joy (see ἀντί, 2 b.), ibid. 2 (the phrase τά ἆθλα προκεῖσθαι occurs often in secular writings from Herodotus down; cf. Bleek, Br. an die Hebrews 2:2, p. 268ff). c. to be there, be present, be at hand (so that it can become actual or available): 2 Corinthians 8:12. The verb conveys the idea of something being laid out in plain view—public, unmistakable, and purpose-directed. Whether a promise, a task, a joy, or a warning, what is “set before” people becomes the dominant horizon toward which they move. Occurrences in the New Testament • 2 Corinthians 8:12 Exegetical Insights “So that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” The hope of eternal life is portrayed as a clearly displayed refuge. Assurance is grounded not in the believer’s resolve but in God’s sworn promise and oath. “Let us run with endurance the race set before us.” The Christian life is likened to a long-distance race whose course is already marked out. Believers are not left to chart their own path; endurance consists in staying on the track God has laid down. “Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Christ embodies the pattern: present suffering interpreted through the lens of an unveiled future joy. His exaltation validates the wisdom of embracing hardship for glory that is certain. “Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns… serve as an example by undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.” Judgment is also set forth publicly. A historic destruction becomes an ongoing visual aid warning against immoral rebellion. Divine mercy and justice are both underscored: the lesson is accessible to all who will heed it. “For if the eagerness is present, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” Here the term describes readiness of heart. Before any amount is counted, God looks at the disposition already lying open before Him. The verse affirms proportional, voluntary generosity rather than coercion. Theological Themes Promise and Hope What God places in view is never illusory. The “hope set before us” anchors the soul because it rests on God’s immutable character (Hebrews 6:18). Perseverance and Joy The path and the prize are simultaneous realities. Endurance derives strength from a future that is certain and presently visible through faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). Public Testimony Both salvation and judgment are exhibited. God’s dealings in history—whether the destruction of Sodom or the exaltation of Christ—stand as open demonstrations of His ways (Jude 1:7). Willing Stewardship Generosity flows from a readiness already displayed before the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:12). Motivation, not magnitude, measures acceptability. Ministry Applications • Preaching: Set Christ’s joy and the believer’s hope conspicuously before the congregation. Motivation deepens when the goal is vivid. Historical Reflection Greco-Roman athletics prized courses clearly marked out in advance; runners deviating from the lane were disqualified. The writer of Hebrews leverages that cultural image to stress fidelity to God’s revealed path. Early church fathers cited Jude 1:7 to urge holiness, understanding the past judgment as a present signpost. Throughout church history the verb’s sense of public display has fueled both missionary proclamation (setting Christ before the nations) and liturgical confession (placing the gospel before worshipers). Summary Strong’s Greek 4295 portrays divine realities—promise, task, joy, warning—placed squarely in the believer’s field of vision. Scripture uses the term to anchor assurance, inspire endurance, awaken generosity, and reinforce moral seriousness. What God sets before His people is meant to govern their present choices and guarantee their ultimate destiny. Englishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 8:12 V-PIM/P-3SGRK: ἡ προθυμία πρόκειται καθὸ ἐὰν NAS: the readiness is present, it is acceptable KJV: if there be first a willing mind, INT: the readiness is present as if Hebrews 6:18 V-PPM/P-GFS Hebrews 12:1 V-PPM/P-AMS Hebrews 12:2 V-PPM/P-GFS Jude 1:7 V-PIM/P-3P Strong's Greek 4295 |
    |