προβαίνω
probaínō
G4260 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To go forward, to walk ahead; in context, to advance, especially with respect to moving onward in space or, metaphorically, in time or age. Commonly used to describe progressing in age (growing older, becoming advanced in years), and, less frequently, to mean continued movement beyond a certain point or stage.
Semantic Range
to move forward, to proceed, to advance in space, to advance in time, to grow older, to be advanced in years, to go farther (beyond a point)
Root / Etymology
From the preposition πρό (before, forward) and the verbal root *βαιν- (from βαίνω, 'to walk, to go'), literally 'to step forward'. Related to Latin 'progredior'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, προβαίνω has the general sense of 'stepping forward' in both literal and metaphorical senses, including advancing in status, time, or age. In Hellenistic Greek (including the Septuagint and New Testament), its metaphorical use for aging ('to be advanced in years') becomes especially prevalent. The expression προβεβηκώς (perfect: 'having advanced [in years]') appears in the New Testament (e.g., Luke 1:7; 1:18; Luke 2:36) to describe persons 'well advanced in age.' This idiom is most commonly rendered by English translations as 'well stricken in years' or 'very old,' but the underlying Greek signifies progression through life's stages rather than a strict definition of old age. The verb retains its spatial sense (‘to go farther on’) in other contexts; however, its figurative use relating to age is prominent in later Koine. Standard translations often limit the word to reference age, but it has a broader underlying sense of advancing or moving forward, contextually specified.
Translation Consistency
Covers both primary senses — moving forward in space (advance, proceed) and in time/age (advance in years). Natural English and fits the typical uses of προβαίνω without being overly formal.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρό and the base of βάσις; to walk forward, i.e. advance (literally, or in years):--+ be of a great age, go farther (on), be well stricken.
Root Family
προβαίνω (probainō) — to go, to walk, to advance
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4260-03 |
προβεβηκυῖα | probebekuia | V PRF ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
advanced | having advanced | having advanced | 2 |
G4260-01 |
προβὰς | probas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
going on | having advanced | having advanced | 2 |
G4260-02 |
προβεβηκότες | probebekotes | V PRF ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
advanced | having advanced | having advanced | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4260-01 |
Matthew 4:21 | προβὰς | probas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
going on | having advanced | having advanced |
G4260-01 |
Mark 1:19 | προβὰς | probas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
going on | having advanced | having advanced |
G4260-02 |
Luke 1:7 | προβεβηκότες | probebekotes | V PRF ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
advanced | having advanced | having advanced |
G4260-03 |
Luke 1:18 | προβεβηκυῖα | probebekuia | V PRF ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
advanced | having advanced | having advanced |
G4260-03 |
Luke 2:36 | προβεβηκυῖα | probebekuia | V PRF ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
advanced in years | having advanced | having advanced |