4387. proteros
Strong's Lexicon
proteros: Former, earlier, previous

Original Word: πρότερος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: proteros
Pronunciation: pro'-ter-os
Phonetic Spelling: (prot'-er-os)
Definition: Former, earlier, previous
Meaning: former, before, formerly.

Word Origin: Comparative form of πρό (pro), meaning "before" or "prior."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "proteros," the concept of "former" or "earlier" can be found in words like קָדַם (qadam, Strong's H6923) which means "to come before" or "to precede."

Usage: The Greek word "proteros" is used to denote something that is prior in time or sequence. It often refers to what is earlier or former, highlighting a comparison between past and present states or events. In the New Testament, it is used to contrast previous conditions or actions with current or future ones.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, understanding time and sequence was crucial for historical records, legal matters, and philosophical discussions. The concept of "proteros" would have been significant in a culture that valued historical precedent and the continuity of tradition. In the Jewish context, the idea of former things often related to the covenants and promises of God, as well as the history of Israel.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
cptv. adjective from pro
Definition
before
NASB Translation
before (2), first (2), first time (1), former (3), formerly (2), one (1), previously (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4387: πρότερος

πρότερος, πρότερα, πρότερον (comparitive of πρό) (from Homer down), before, prior; of time, former: πρότερα ἀναστροφή, Ephesians 4:22. Neuter adverbially, before (something else is or was done): John 7:51 R G; 2 Corinthians 1:15; opposed to ἔπειτα, Hebrews 7:27; before, i. e. aforetime, in time past: John 7:50 (L Tr WH); Hebrews 4:6; and R G in 1 Timothy 1:13; also τό πρότερον (contrasting rite past with the present (cf. πάλαι, 1 at the end)), John 6:62; John 9:8, and L T Tr WH in 1 Timothy 1:13 (1 Macc. 3:46 1 Macc. 5:1 1 Macc. 11:34, 39; Deuteronomy 2:12; Joshua 11:10; Herodotus 7, 75; Xenophon, Plato); equivalent to our the first time, Galatians 4:13 (on which cf. Meyer); it is placed between the article and the noun, as αἱ πρότερον ἡμέραι, the former days, Hebrews 10:32; αἱ πρότερον ἐπιθυμίαι, the lusts which you formerly indulged, 1 Peter 1:14.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
former.

Comparative of pro; prior or previous -- former.

see GREEK pro

Forms and Transliterations
προτέρα πρότερα πρότεραι προτέραις προτέραν προτέρας πρότεροι πρότερον πρότερόν πρότερος πρότερός προτέρους προτέρων
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