Strong's Greek: 4386. πρότερον (proteron) -- Formerly, previously, before

Strong's Lexicon

proteron: Formerly, previously, before

Original Word: πρότερον
Part of Speech: Adjective; Adverb, Comparative
Transliteration: proteron
Pronunciation: pro'-ter-on
Phonetic Spelling: (prot'-er-on)
Definition: Formerly, previously, before
Meaning: formerly, before.

Word Origin: Derived from πρότερος (proteros), which is the comparative form of πρό (pro), meaning "before" or "prior."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "proteron," the concept of "before" or "formerly" can be found in Hebrew words like קֶדֶם (qedem, Strong's H6924), which means "east" or "ancient times," and לְפָנִים (lefaním, Strong's H6440), meaning "before" or "formerly."

Usage: The adverb "proteron" is used in the New Testament to denote a time or state that existed earlier or prior to a current reference point. It often emphasizes a contrast between a past condition and a present or future state. This term is used to remind readers of a previous situation or to highlight a change or development over time.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, understanding the concept of time and historical progression was crucial for both philosophical and practical reasons. The use of terms like "proteron" reflects a common practice in ancient writings to compare past and present circumstances, often to draw moral or theological lessons. In the context of the New Testament, such comparisons are frequently used to illustrate the transformative power of the Gospel and the new covenant in Christ.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
adverb from proteros, q.v.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

former, before

Neuter of proteros as adverb (with or without the article); previously -- before, (at the) first, former.

see GREEK proteros

Forms and Transliterations

προτεραν προτέραν προτερον πρότερον proteran protéran proteron próteron

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts