Lexical Summary promarturomai: To forewarn, to testify beforehand Original Word: προμαρτύρομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance testify beforehand. From pro and marturomai; to be a witness in advance i.e. Predict -- testify beforehand. see GREEK pro see GREEK marturomai HELPS Word-studies 4303 promartýromai (from 4253 /pró, "before" and 3143 /martýromai, "testify") – properly, testify (witness) beforehand (used only in 1 Pet 1:11). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pro and marturomai Definition to say beforehand NASB Translation predicted (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4303: προμαρτύρομαιπρομαρτύρομαι; 1. antetestor (in the old lexicons). 2. to testify beforehand, i. e. to make known by prediction: 1 Peter 1:11; so also (Basil of Seleucia, 32 a. (Migne vol. lxxxv.) and) by Theodorus Metochita (c. 75, misc., p. 504) — a writer of the The single New Testament occurrence of this verb presents it as a Spirit-given “pre-testimony,” a witness borne in advance to coming redemptive events. It is not mere information but divinely authoritative evidence set on record before the events themselves unfolded. Prophetic Context in 1 Peter 1:10-12 1 Peter addresses believers scattered throughout Asia Minor who faced trials that tested the genuineness of their faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). The apostle recalls how Old Testament prophets “searched and deliberated carefully” about “the grace to come to you” (1 Peter 1:10). These prophets were moved by “the Spirit of Christ … who predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow” (1 Peter 1:11). Here προμαρτυρόμενον emphasizes that the Spirit, long before the incarnation, bore formal witness to two inseparable phases of Messiah’s work: His atoning sufferings and His consequent exaltation. Peter’s use underscores continuity between prophetic foresight and apostolic proclamation. The Holy Spirit as the One Witness Through the Ages 1 Peter 1:11 places the Spirit of Christ at the heart of both Old Testament revelation and New Testament fulfillment. The same Spirit who empowered Elijah (1 Kings 18), Isaiah (Isaiah 53), and Micah (Micah 5:2) is the One who empowered the apostles (Acts 1:8). The unity of the Spirit’s testimony guarantees the harmony of Scripture and the reliability of its prophecies. Believers therefore rest on a witness that predates and undergirds history itself. Old Testament Foreshadowing of Suffering and Glory • Suffering: Psalm 22; Isaiah 52:13–53:12; Zechariah 12:10 These passages form the content of the Spirit’s pre-testimony. Peter later preaches from them (Acts 2:24-36; Acts 3:18) and interprets them as fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. Apostolic Certainty and Preaching Because the Spirit’s earlier witness has come to pass, the apostles proclaim Christ with fully confirmed authority. Peter appeals to fulfilled prophecy in Jerusalem (Acts 2:16-21), Caesarea (Acts 10:43), and in his letters (2 Peter 1:19-21). The logic is consistent: if the Spirit anticipated the cross and resurrection centuries beforehand, every other divine promise is equally secure (2 Corinthians 1:20). Pastoral Implications 1. Assurance during Trials The believers addressed by Peter could endure fiery ordeals knowing that even Christ’s path moved from suffering to glory; theirs will follow the same arc (1 Peter 5:10). 2. Motivation for Holiness If God planned redemption in such detail, His call to “be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15) carries weight. Holiness belongs to a storyline foretold by the Spirit and fulfilled in Christ. 3. Confidence in Evangelism Pre-testimony validates the gospel as objective truth, not private opinion. Evangelists point to fulfilled prophecy to persuade hearers of the reliability of Christ’s claims (Luke 24:25-27). Theological Significance • Inspiration: The term highlights the Spirit’s active role in both giving prophecy and ensuring its fulfillment. Contemporary Ministry Use Pastors and teachers can employ the concept of προμαρτύρομαι to: The lone appearance of this rich term thus opens a panoramic view of the Spirit’s unbroken witness, the reliability of prophecy, and the certainty of God’s redemptive purposes in Jesus Christ. Englishman's Concordance 1 Peter 1:11 V-PPM/P-NNSGRK: πνεῦμα Χριστοῦ προμαρτυρόμενον τὰ εἰς NAS: them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings KJV: did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings INT: Spirit of Christ testifying beforehand of the [belonging] to |
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