Original Word: προλαμβάνω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: prolambanó
Pronunciation: pro-lam-BAN-o
Phonetic Spelling: (prol-am-ban'-o)
Definition: To take beforehand, to anticipate, to overtake
Meaning: I take before, anticipate; pass: I am caught or overtaken, taken by surprise.

take beforehand, overtake.

From pro and lambano; to take in advance, i.e. (literally) eat before others have an opportunity; (figuratively) to anticipate, surprise -- come aforehand, overtake, take before.

see GREEK pro

see GREEK lambano

Word Origin
from pro and lambanó
Definition
to take beforehand
NASB Translation
beforehand (1), caught (1), takes...first (1).

STRONGS NT 4301: προλαμβάνω

προλαμβάνω; 2 aorist προελαβον; 1 aorist passive subjunctive 3 person singular προληφθῇ (προλημφθῇ L T Tr WH; see under the word Mu); from Herodotus down;

1. to take before: τί, 1 Corinthians 11:21.

2. to anticipate, to forestall: προέλαβε μυρίσαι, she has anticipated the anointing (hath anointed beforehand), Mark 14:8; cf. Meyer at the passage; Winer's Grammar, § 54, 4.

3. to take one by forestalling (him i. e. before he can flee or conceal his crime), i. e. surprise, detect (Wis. 17:16): τινα ἐν παραπτώματι, passive, Galatians 6:1; cf. Winer, Epistle to the Galatians, the passage cited

Word Origin: From πρό (pro, "before") and λαμβάνω (lambanō, "to take" or "to receive")

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for προλαμβάνω, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words that convey the idea of anticipation or being overtaken, such as קָדַם (qadam, Strong's Hebrew 6923), which means "to meet, confront, go before," and נָשַׂג (nasag, Strong's Hebrew 5381), meaning "to reach, overtake." These terms similarly express notions of encountering or being caught up with something or someone.

Usage: The verb προλαμβάνω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of taking or receiving something before others, or being overtaken by an event or circumstance. It can imply anticipation or being caught off guard.

Context: The Greek verb προλαμβάνω appears in the New Testament in contexts that convey the idea of anticipation or being overtaken. In Galatians 6:1, the Apostle Paul uses this term to instruct the spiritual community on how to deal with a member who has been overtaken by a fault or sin: "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." (BSB). Here, προλαμβάνω is translated as "caught," indicating a sudden or unexpected overtaking by sin. The term suggests a compassionate and proactive approach to restoration, emphasizing the need for gentleness and self-awareness among believers.

The use of προλαμβάνω in this context highlights the importance of community and accountability within the Christian faith. It underscores the need for vigilance and readiness to support one another, recognizing that anyone can be overtaken by temptation. The term also reflects the broader biblical theme of restoration and redemption, encouraging believers to act with grace and humility.

προέλαβε προελαβεν προέλαβεν προλαμβανει προλαμβάνει προλημφθη προλημφθῇ προληφθή proelaben proélaben prolambanei prolambánei prolemphthe prolēmphthē prolemphthêi prolēmphthē̂iInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts