Lexical Summary prooraó: To foresee, to see beforehand Original Word: προοράω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance foresee, see before. From pro and horao; to behold in advance, i.e. (actively) to notice (another) previously, or (middle voice) to keep in (one's own) view -- foresee, see before. see GREEK pro see GREEK horao HELPS Word-studies 4308 prooráō (from 4253 /pró, "before" and 3708 /horáō, "see") – properly, see before ("ahead of time"), generally about the Lord's revelation that enables someone to foresee. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pro and horaó Definition to see before NASB Translation previously seen (1), saw (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4308: προοράωπροοράω, προορῶ; perfect participleπροεωρακως; imperfect middle (Acts 2:25) προωρώμην, and without augment (see ὁμοιόω, at the beginning) προορωμην L T Tr WH; from Herodotus down; 1. to see before (whether as respects place or time): τινα, Acts 21:29. 2. Middle (rare use) to keep before one's eyes: metaphorically, τινα, with ἐνώπιον μου added, to be mindful of one always, Acts 2:25 from Psalm 15:(xvi.)8. Strong’s Greek 4308 portrays the divinely ordered capacity to see something in advance—whether by prophetic insight, scriptural proclamation, or simple prior observation. Though occurring only four times, the verb illuminates a single redemptive thread: what God enables His people to perceive beforehand He sovereignly fulfills in time. Occurrences and Contexts 1. Acts 2:25 – Peter cites David: “I saw the Lord always before me…”. David’s Spirit-wrought foresight anchors the certainty of Messiah’s resurrection. Old Testament Background Hebrew prophetic literature often describes seers “beholding” future events (for example, Isaiah 46:10). The Septuagint renders such perceptions with cognate verbs, preparing first-century readers to understand a foresight grounded in divine revelation rather than mere conjecture. Relation to Prophecy and Fulfillment Peter’s Pentecost sermon (Acts 2) demonstrates that genuine foresight is both revelatory and Christ-centered. David’s ancient vision materializes in Jesus’ death and resurrection, verifying the unity of Scripture across covenants (Luke 24:44). Likewise, Galatians 3:8 affirms that the Abrahamic blessing “foretold the gospel”—a single salvific plan unfolding through history. Doctrinal Implications • Inspiration: Galatians 3:8 attributes foresight to “the Scripture,” underscoring verbal inspiration whereby the text itself speaks with God’s authority. Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching: Effective proclamation links past prophetic foresight to present gospel realities, emulating Peter’s method in Acts 2. Misguided Human Foresight Acts 21:29 offers a cautionary counterpart: prior sighting of Trophimus leads to speculative accusation against Paul. Natural observation, devoid of truth, breeds misunderstanding; Spirit-given foresight, anchored in revelation, yields gospel clarity. Christological Focus All divinely granted foresight ultimately converges on Christ. Whether David anticipating the risen Lord or Abraham seeing the day when “all the nations will be blessed,” the verb’s theological gravity rests on Jesus’ person and work (John 8:56). Summary Strong’s Greek 4308 encapsulates God’s gracious unveiling of future certainties. Prophets, Scriptures, and apostles alike participate in this foresight, each testifying that what God shows in advance He unfailingly accomplishes. Englishman's Concordance Acts 2:25 V-IIM-1SGRK: εἰς αὐτόν Προορώμην τὸν κύριον KJV: him, I foresaw the Lord INT: as to him I foresaw the Lord Acts 2:31 V-APA-NMS Acts 21:29 V-RPA-NMP Galatians 3:8 V-APA-NFS Strong's Greek 4308 |
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