προνοέω (G4306) — Greek Lexicon

προνοέω

pronoéō

G4306 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To foresee, to have regard for in advance; specifically, to make provision for or to take thought for (someone or something) ahead of time. In various contexts, refers to thoughtful planning, anticipating needs, or taking care of responsibilities before they arise. In the active voice, often emphasizes taking thought or action on behalf of others by provisioning or planning ahead; in the middle voice, can stress taking thought or acting out of concern for oneself or one's own responsibilities.

Semantic Range

to foresee, to think or consider in advance, to make provision for, to care for ahead of time, to plan or take steps beforehand, to anticipate needs

Root / Etymology

From the preposition πρό (before, in front of) and the verb νοέω (to perceive, to think, to consider). The formation combines the sense of 'before' with cognizance or mental consideration, yielding the sense of thinking ahead or foreseeing. The root noun νοῦς (mind) underlies νοέω.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek literature, προνοέω appears mostly with the sense of 'to foresee' or 'to take thought beforehand,' both in practical actions and in mental planning. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the word often refers to deliberate care, especially in providing for someone's needs (e.g., Romans 12:17, 2 Corinthians 8:21). The middle voice underscores responsibility for oneself or one's own interests; the active conveys provisioning or care for others. English translations generally render the word as 'provide for,' 'take thought for,' or 'be concerned for,' but may not always capture the nuance of advanced foresight or intentionality. The usage in non-biblical Greek (e.g., Polybius, Philo) closely aligns with the NT, often in administrative or household contexts of making provision. Contrasts with μέριμνα (anxiety) or φροντίζω (to care), which focus more on ongoing worry or care than advance preparation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πρό and νοιέω; to consider in advance, i.e. look out for beforehand (actively, by way of maintenance for others; middle voice by way of circumspection for oneself):--provide (for).

Root Family

προνοέω (pronoéō) — to foresee, to plan, to have regard, to provide

Root προ-νοε- to foresee, to plan, to have regard, to provide

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4306-03`	προνοούμενοι	pronooumenoi	`V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL`	providing	planning ahead for themselves	planning ahead for themselves	1
`G4306-02`	προνοοῦμεν	pronooumen	`V PRS ACT IND 1P PL`	we provide for	we plan ahead	we plan ahead	1
`G4306-01`	προνοεῖ	pronoei	`V PRS ACT IND 3P SG`	provides	makes provision ahead	makes provision ahead	1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4306-03`	Romans 12:17	προνοούμενοι	pronooumenoi	`V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL`	providing	planning ahead for themselves	planning ahead for themselves
`G4306-02`	2 Corinthians 8:21	προνοοῦμεν	pronooumen	`V PRS ACT IND 1P PL`	we provide for	we plan ahead	we plan ahead
`G4306-01`	1 Timothy 5:8	προνοεῖ	pronoei	`V PRS ACT IND 3P SG`	provides	makes provision ahead	makes provision ahead

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