Lexical Summary próton: First, firstly, before, at the beginning Original Word: πρῶτον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance before, at the beginningNeuter of protos as adverb (with or without ho); firstly (in time, place, order, or importance) -- before, at the beginning, chiefly (at, at the) first (of all). see GREEK protos see GREEK ho NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from prótos, q.v. Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s 4412 highlights the idea of priority—temporal, logical, moral, or missional. Whether directing disciples to seek God’s reign, outlining redemptive chronology, or establishing church order, the Spirit-inspired writers employ this adverb to mark what must come “first” in God’s economy. Kingdom Priority Matthew repeatedly uses 4412 to direct hearts toward God’s reign. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Here “first” conveys ultimate allegiance rather than mere sequence: all legitimate human concerns are subordinated to the Father’s rule. The same emphasis appears in Luke 10:5, where peace is spoken “first” to a household, underscoring that divine blessing precedes fellowship. Self-Examination Before Service Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment: “First take the beam out of your own eye” (Matthew 7:5; Luke 6:42). Ministry begins with personal repentance; only the cleansed may help others. Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 11:18, noting factions visible “first” when the church gathers, compelling self-scrutiny before the Lord’s Table. Family and Social Obligations In Matthew 8:21 and Luke 9:59-61 the request to “first” bury or bid farewell to family members tests discipleship’s cost. Yet the same term affirms filial responsibility: “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show godliness toward their own household” (1 Timothy 5:4). Priority is discerned case-by-case under Christ’s authority. Mission Strategy: Jews First, Gentiles Also Luke records the risen Christ sent to Israel “first” (Acts 3:26). Paul maintains this pattern: “the gospel… first to the Jew, then to the Greek” (Romans 1:16; cf. Acts 13:46; Romans 2:9-10; 3:2; 15:24). The sequence honors covenant history yet anticipates worldwide inclusion (Mark 13:10). Eschatological Sequence Prophetic passages employ 4412 to chart end-time order. Jesus says, “Nation will rise against nation… but these things must happen first” (Luke 21:9). The rebellion occurs “first” before the man of lawlessness is revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3). At His return “the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16), assuring believers of resurrection priority. Christ, the First in Resurrection and Rank Mark 16:9 records that Jesus “rose early on the first day of the week, and He appeared first to Mary Magdalene,” confirming both temporal precedence and gracious initiative. Hebrews 7:2 notes Melchizedek as “first… king of righteousness,” foreshadowing Christ’s superior priesthood. In 1 Corinthians 15:46 the “natural” comes first, then the spiritual—yet the resurrected Christ remains “firstborn from the dead” (conceptually linked though outside the 4412 set), guaranteeing believers’ future glory. Church Order and Ministry Practice Paul lists gifts: “God has appointed in the church first apostles” (1 Corinthians 12:28). Timothy must pray “first of all” for authorities (1 Timothy 2:1). Deacons are to be “tested first” (1 Timothy 3:10). The hardworking farmer “should be the first to partake of the crops” (2 Timothy 2:6), teaching that laborers deserve timely support. Moral and Spiritual Qualities James 3:17 exalts heavenly wisdom that is “first pure,” establishing moral purity as the fountainhead of every other virtue. Peter charges believers to grasp prophetic truth: “You must understand this first, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20), safeguarding hermeneutics within divine inspiration. Historical Reflection in Acts Stephen recalls that Jacob heard of grain in Egypt “first” (Acts 7:12), marking providence. At Pisidian Antioch, Paul turns to Gentiles only after speaking “first” to Jews (Acts 13:46). Such moments illustrate God’s unfolding plan across redemptive history, guided by sovereign ordering. Practical Ministry Applications • Prioritize God’s kingdom in planning and resources. Theological Summary 4412 consistently signals the divine order that undergirds Scripture’s unity. Whether temporal (what happens first), logical (what is most important), or ethical (what is morally primary), the term guides believers to honor God’s priorities, assuring that when His order is embraced, His purposes are accomplished. Forms and Transliterations πρωτον πρώτον πρῶτον πρῶτόν proton prôton prôtón prōton prō̂ton prō̂tónLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:24 AdvGRK: καὶ ὕπαγε πρῶτον διαλλάγηθι τῷ KJV: go thy way; first be reconciled INT: and go away first be reconciled to Matthew 6:33 Adv Matthew 7:5 Adv Matthew 8:21 Adv Matthew 12:29 Adv Matthew 13:30 Adv Matthew 17:10 Adv Matthew 17:27 Adv Matthew 23:26 Adv Mark 3:27 Adv Mark 4:28 Adv Mark 7:27 Adv Mark 9:11 Adv Mark 9:12 Adv Mark 13:10 Adv Mark 16:9 Adv Luke 6:42 Adv Luke 9:59 Adv Luke 9:61 Adv Luke 10:5 Adv Luke 11:38 Adv Luke 12:1 Adv Luke 14:28 Adv Luke 14:31 Adv Luke 17:25 Adv |
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