Lexical Summary pronoeó: to foresee, to provide for, to take thought for Original Word: προνοέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance provide for. From pro and noieo; to consider in advance, i.e. Look out for beforehand (actively, by way of maintenance for others; middle voice by way of circumspection for oneself) -- provide (for). see GREEK pro see GREEK noieo HELPS Word-studies 4306 pronoéō (from 4253 /pró, "before" and 3539 /noiéō, "think") – properly, to think (plan) before, showing necessary forethought to act properly (in God's will). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pro and noeó Definition to foresee NASB Translation have regard (1), provide (1), respect (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4306: προνοέωπρονοέω, προνόω; present middle προνωυμαι; from Homer down; 1. to perceive before, foresee. 2. to provide, think of beforehand: τίνος (see Matthiae, § 348, vol. ii., p. 821 (but cf. § 379, p. 862); Kühner, § 419, 1 b. ii., p. 325; (Jelf, § 496); Winers Grammar, § 30, 10 c.), to provide for one, 1 Timothy 5:8 (where T Tr text WH marginal reading προνοειται); περί τίνος, Wis. 6:8. Middle with an accusative of the thing, equivalent to to take thought for, care for a thing: Romans 12:17; 2 Corinthians 8:21 (where L T Tr WH have adopted προνωυμεν). The verb expresses deliberate, forward-looking care: to think ahead, make provision, or take precautions so that needs are met and honor is protected. Occurrences in the New Testament “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everyone.” Believers are told to anticipate situations where retaliation might seem attractive and, instead, to pre-plan responses that uphold peace and witness. “If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Provision is pictured as more than reacting to crises; it is the ongoing, intentional arrangement of resources for family welfare. Failure here undercuts one’s profession of faith. “For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” Paul applies the term to financial stewardship, arranging accountability measures for the collection headed to Jerusalem so that both God and people see integrity. Theological Significance 1. Reflection of God’s Character Scripture often portrays the Lord as One who “sees beforehand.” Human foresight in care mirrors divine providence (compare Genesis 22:14). Planning for good, not evil, aligns the believer with God’s own anticipatory goodness. 2. Integration of Faith and Works Each text joins inward devotion to outward action. Believing rightly mandates providing rightly—whether for family, church finances, or social relationships. The verb therefore guards against a compartmentalized spirituality. 3. Witness before the World In Romans and 2 Corinthians, proactive foresight is explicitly tied to public perception: “the eyes of everyone” and “the eyes of men.” Ethical planning validates gospel testimony and removes occasions for slander. Practical Ministry Implications Family Ministry Pastoral care must teach heads of households to budget, save, and insure creatively so that dependents are not exposed to needless hardship. Neglect is not merely unfortunate; it is a denial of the faith. Financial Accountability Church leaders imitate Paul by instituting transparent systems—multiple signatories, open reporting, annual audits—so that offerings are beyond reproach. Conflict Prevention Romans 12 encourages elders and members to foresee relational flashpoints, develop de-escalation strategies, and seek reconciliation avenues before offense escalates. Disaster Preparedness Local congregations can fulfill the term’s intent by maintaining benevolence funds, food pantries, or response teams, embodying a foresight that tangibly loves neighbor. Historical Interpretation Early Fathers such as Chrysostom highlighted 1 Timothy 5:8 to rebuke monastic excess that neglected parents. Reformers applied the principle to civic duty, insisting that Protestant work ethic includes planning for household welfare. Modern evangelical commentators stress that foresight complements, not contradicts, reliance on divine provision. Related Concepts • Stewardship – managing God-given resources with intentionality. Summary Strong’s Greek 4306 depicts more than momentary mindfulness; it calls for sustained, prayer-guided planning that safeguards families, finances, and fellowship. Such foresight is an act of worship that honors God, serves people, and preserves the reputation of the gospel. Englishman's Concordance Romans 12:17 V-PPM-NMPGRK: κακοῦ ἀποδιδόντες προνοούμενοι καλὰ ἐνώπιον NAS: to anyone. Respect what is right KJV: evil. Provide things honest INT: evil repay providing right [things] before 2 Corinthians 8:21 V-PIA-1P 1 Timothy 5:8 V-PIA-3S Strong's Greek 4306 |
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