πρηνής
prēnḗs
G4248 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Leaning or falling forward, inclined with the face or front part downward; specifically, positioned or moving headfirst. In narrative contexts, used to describe the orientation of a body or the motion of falling in a headlong manner.
Semantic Range
prone (face downward), headfirst, headlong, lying with the face or front downward, falling or moving forward in a headmost position
Root / Etymology
From the preposition πρό (pro, “before, forward”) with a suffix denoting a state or orientation; related to words that describe orientation or direction. Probable connection to the sense of facing or directed forward.
Historical & Contextual Notes
πρηνής is rare in Greek literature and predominantly appears in descriptive narrative, especially in accounts of physical motion or the position of a body. In the Septuagint or New Testament, it is used to specify a manner of falling or being cast in which the head or face is directed forward or downward (see Acts 1:18). Classical Greek sometimes uses πρηνής of people lying prostrate or objects oriented with a forward inclination. English translation traditionally uses 'headlong,' 'prone,' or 'headfirst.' Such terms in English do not always capture the physical immediacy or spatial relationship implied in Greek. The cognate adjective's use differs from πρόσθεν (in front, beforehand) by emphasizing the downward and forward aspect rather than mere anteriority. Rarity may indicate narrative specificity, especially in literary or historical accounts, rather than common speech.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρό; leaning (falling) forward ("prone"), i.e. head foremost:--headlong.
Root Family
πρην- (prēnḗs) — leaning forward, headfirst, prone
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4248-01 |
πρηνὴς | prenes | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
headlong | headfirst | headfirst | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4248-01 |
Acts 1:18 | πρηνὴς | prenes | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
headlong | headfirst | headfirst |