προέχομαι
proéchomai
G4284 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To have a position ahead, to be in the forefront in relation to others; in figurative use, to excel, surpass, or be superior. In the middle voice, typically with the sense of holding oneself before others, taking a lead, or distinguishing oneself as better or more prominent. May denote precedence in status, advantage, or moral character depending on context.
Semantic Range
to be superior, to excel, to surpass, to have the advantage, to hold a superior position, to stand out, to be preeminent
Root / Etymology
Compound of πρό (before, in front of) and ἔχω (to have, to hold), forming the middle/passive verb προέχομαι, with the literal sense 'to have oneself before' or 'to stand out before.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested from Hellenistic Greek, used rarely in classical literature. In the New Testament and Septuagint, the term commonly carries the sense of 'to excel' or 'to surpass', but without exclusive reference to moral superiority; it can refer to advantages in standing, status, or ability. English tradition usually translates as 'be better' or 'excel', but these may obscure the spatial or status-oriented nuance inherent in the Greek. The middle voice emphasizes the subject's own position or distinction in relation to others rather than merely acting upon another. Compared to διαφέρω (to differ, to excel) and πλεονεκτέω (to have more, to outdo), προέχομαι is more concerned with one's place ahead or in front of others, whether literally or metaphorically. Not a common term for superiority in classic Greek but found in inscriptions and documentary papyri denoting preeminence, rank, or privilege.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
middle voice from πρό and ἔχω; to hold oneself before others, i.e. (figuratively) to excel:--be better.
Root Family
προέχομαι (proechomai) — to have before, to hold in front, to be superior, to excel
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4284-01 |
προεχόμεθα | proechometha | V PRS MID IND 1P PL |
are we better | we hold ourselves ahead | do we hold ourselves ahead | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4284-01 |
Romans 3:9 | προεχόμεθα | proechometha | V PRS MID IND 1P PL |
are we better | we hold ourselves ahead | do we hold ourselves ahead |