4409. próteuó

Lexicon

próteuó: To have the first place, to be preeminent

Original Word: πρωτεύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: próteuó
Pronunciation: pro-tyoo'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (prote-yoo'-o)
Definition: To have the first place, to be preeminent
Meaning: I have preeminence, am chief, am first.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

have preeminence.

From protos; to be first (in rank or influence) -- have the preeminence.

see GREEK protos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from prótos
Definition
to have the first place
NASB Translation
have first place (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4409: πρωτεύω

πρωτεύω; (πρῶτος); to be first, hold the first place, (A. V. have the pre-eminence): Colossians 1:18. (From Xenophon, and Plato down.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word πρῶτος (prōtos), meaning "first" or "foremost."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for πρωτεύω, similar concepts of preeminence and leadership can be found in Hebrew terms such as רֹאשׁ (rosh, Strong's Hebrew 7218), meaning "head" or "chief," and בָּכִיר (bakhir, Strong's Hebrew 1060), meaning "firstborn" or "chief." These terms similarly convey notions of primacy and authority within the Hebrew Scriptures.

Usage: The verb πρωτεύω is used in the New Testament to denote having the highest rank or position, often in a context of authority or supremacy.

Context: The Greek verb πρωτεύω appears in the New Testament to convey the concept of preeminence or holding the foremost position. It is used in contexts where the subject is described as having superiority or being the most important among others. This term is notably used in Colossians 1:18, where it describes the supremacy of Christ: "And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence" (BSB). Here, πρωτεύω underscores the theological assertion of Christ's authority and preeminent status in creation and the church.

The concept of πρωτεύω is significant in understanding the hierarchical and relational dynamics within the early Christian communities, as well as in Christological discussions. It emphasizes the unique and unparalleled position of Christ, affirming His role as the central figure in the faith and practice of believers.

In a broader sense, πρωτεύω can also be applied to other contexts where leadership, authority, or priority is discussed, though its New Testament usage is primarily Christocentric. The term invites reflection on the nature of leadership and the qualities that constitute true preeminence, often contrasting worldly notions of power with the servant-leadership exemplified by Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

επρωτοβάθρει προτογεννήμασι πρωτεύειν πρωτευων πρωτεύων πρωτοβολήσει πρωτογενές πρωτογεννήματα πρωτογεννημάτων πρωτόγονα proteuon proteúon prōteuōn prōteúōn

Englishman's Concordance

Colossians 1:18 V-PPA-NMS
GRK: πᾶσιν αὐτὸς πρωτεύων
NAS: will come to have first place in everything.
KJV: might have the preeminence.
INT: all things he holding the first place

Strong's Greek 4409
1 Occurrence

πρωτεύων — 1 Occ.