πρέπω
prépō
G4241 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be fitting, seemly, or appropriate; of actions, attitudes, or appearances that are considered proper to a context or person. Πρέπω denotes that something is suitable or in accordance with what is expected, particularly in ethical, social, or ceremonial settings. Its primary sense in Koine Greek is impersonal: 'it is fitting, proper, appropriate.' In less frequent usage, it can carry the sense of being distinguished or prominent (literally or metaphorically, as in standing out by virtue or decorum).
Semantic Range
to be fitting, to be proper, to be becoming, to be suitable, to stand out (as appropriate), to be conspicuous (in older/literal sense); impersonal use: it is fitting, it is proper, it is appropriate
Root / Etymology
Root: πρεπ-. Possibly related to the Proto-Indo-European root *bher- ('to carry, to bear') in the sense of projecting or being prominent. The semantic development likely moved from 'to be conspicuous, to stand out' to 'to be fitting, appropriate,' as in what stands out suitably for a given role or circumstance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, πρέπω could convey the physical sense 'to be conspicuous, to shine,' but by the Hellenistic and Koine periods (as in the Septuagint and New Testament), the moral and social senses predominate: 'to be fitting, to be proper, to be becoming.' The verb appears often in impersonal forms (e.g., 'it is fitting'), particularly to express propriety in terms of behavior, decorum, or ethical action. This is distinct from words such as ἁρμόζω (to fit, to join) or ἔξεστι (it is permitted, it is lawful), with πρέπω emphasizing what is suitable rather than merely permitted. English translations often render it as 'befit,' 'become,' or 'suit,' but these may obscure its focus on social and ethical propriety rather than merely outward appearance. The transition from literal to figurative sense is evident in both secular and Jewish-Greek literature.
Translation Consistency
‘Fit’ is the most natural, common English verb to convey the impersonal sense of πρέπω (‘it is fitting/appropriate’). It cleanly covers the typical meanings (be fitting, be proper, be suitable, be becoming) and is more natural than formal alternatives like ‘befit’ while remaining precise enough for translation consistency.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a primary verb; to tower up (be conspicuous), i.e. (by implication) to be suitable or proper (third person singular present indicative, often used impersonally, it is fit or right):--become, comely.
Root Family
πρεπ- (prépō) — to be fitting, to be seemly, to be proper, to stand out (in an appropriate way)
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4241-02 |
πρέπει | prepei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
is proper | it is fitting | it is fitting | 3 |
G4241-01 |
ἔπρεπεν | eprepen | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
it was fitting | it was fitting | it was fitting | 2 |
G4241-03 |
πρέπον | prepon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM N SG |
fitting | what is fitting | it is fitting | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4241-03 |
Matthew 3:15 | πρέπον | prepon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM N SG |
fitting | what is fitting | it is fitting |
G4241-03 |
1 Corinthians 11:13 | πρέπον | prepon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM N SG |
proper | what is fitting | what is fitting |
G4241-02 |
Ephesians 5:3 | πρέπει | prepei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
is proper | it is fitting | it is fitting |
G4241-02 |
1 Timothy 2:10 | πρέπει | prepei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
is proper | it is fitting | it is fitting |
G4241-02 |
Titus 2:1 | πρέπει | prepei | V PRS ACT IND 3P SG |
are proper | it is fitting | it is fitting |
G4241-01 |
Hebrews 2:10 | ἔπρεπεν | eprepen | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
it was fitting | it was fitting | it was fitting |
G4241-01 |
Hebrews 7:26 | ἔπρεπεν | eprepen | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
was fitting | it was fitting | it was fitting |