Lexical Summary prokopé: Progress, advancement, furtherance Original Word: προκοπή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance progress, furtherance, profit. From prokopto; progress, i.e. Advancement (subjectively or objectively) -- furtherance, profit. see GREEK prokopto HELPS Word-studies 4297 prokopḗ (from 4253 /pró, "in front of" and 2875 /kóptō, "cut, chop down") – properly, advance (progress) – literally, "advancement by chopping down whatever impedes progress"; furtherance. For the believer, this means going forward in sanctification, cutting through obstacles by the Lord's power. [This root (prokop-) is also used in antiquity of pioneers and armies – clearing away (chopping down) forests in order to reach their destination.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom prokoptó Definition progress NASB Translation progress (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4297: προκοπήπροκοπή, προκοπης, ἡ (προκόπτω, which see), progress, advancement: Philippians 1:12, 25; 1 Timothy 4:15. (Polybius, Diodorus, Josephus, Philo, others; rejected by the Atticists, cf. Phrynich. edition Lob., p. 85; (Sir. 2:17; 2 Macc. 8:8).) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Core Idea The noun under consideration points to measurable forward movement. In the New Testament it is always used figuratively: the gospel moves forward in mission, believers move forward in faith, and a minister moves forward in personal development. Progress is not self-generated optimism but the observable outworking of God’s grace in real circumstances. Occurrences in Scripture “Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel.” “Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” “Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.” Progress of the Gospel (Philippians 1:12) Written from imprisonment in Rome, Paul’s statement overturns conventional expectations. Chains would appear to silence an apostle, yet they become a platform for witness. Imperial guards hear the message, and the churches gain courage (Philippians 1:13-14). Progress here is missional: the sphere of gospel influence widens, proving that opposition cannot thwart God’s saving purposes (compare Acts 28:30-31). Progress of the Saints (Philippians 1:25) Paul anticipates further ministry among the Philippians “for your progress and joy in the faith.” The two nouns stand together: progress produces joy, and joy fuels further progress. Growth is corporate; believers advance side by side (Philippians 1:27). Paul’s stay will mean teaching, modeling, and pastoral care that deepen their doctrinal grasp and practical holiness. Progress of the Minister (1 Timothy 4:15) Timothy is to give himself wholly to reading, exhortation, teaching, and holy living (1 Timothy 4:13-16). The aim is that “your progress will be evident to all.” A maturing leader becomes a public demonstration of the gospel’s power. The verse guards against stagnant ministry: diligence and immersion in Scripture propel visible advance, which in turn safeguards both the hearer and the preacher (1 Timothy 4:16). Historical and Ministry Significance 1. Prison Epistles reveal that persecution may accelerate, not impede, evangelism. Subsequent church history echoes this: opposition often spreads the word more widely. Theological Threads • Providence: God sovereignly turns hostile settings into avenues of advance (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). Practical Implications for the Church • Measure success by faithfulness and gospel spread, not comfort. Related Concepts Advancement (Acts 16:5), Growth (Colossians 1:10), Edification (Ephesians 4:12-16), Perseverance (Hebrews 12:1-2). Summary The New Testament’s three uses of the term present a unified portrait: Christ causes His message, His people, and His servants to move forward. Whether through chains, church life, or personal discipline, progress is both gift and responsibility until the day “the work He began” is complete (Philippians 1:6). Forms and Transliterations προκοπη προκοπή προκοπὴ προκοπην προκοπήν προκοπὴν prokope prokopē prokopḕ prokopen prokopēn prokopḕnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Philippians 1:12 N-AFSGRK: μᾶλλον εἰς προκοπὴν τοῦ εὐαγγελίου NAS: out for the greater progress of the gospel, KJV: unto the furtherance of the gospel; INT: really to [the] advancement of the gospel Philippians 1:25 N-AFS 1 Timothy 4:15 N-NFS Strong's Greek 4297 |
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