4386. proteron
Lexical Summary
proteron: Formerly, previously, before

Original Word: πρότερον
Part of Speech: Adjective; Adverb, Comparative
Transliteration: proteron
Pronunciation: pro'-ter-on
Phonetic Spelling: (prot'-er-on)
KJV: before, (at the) first, former
Word Origin: [neuter of G4387 (πρότερος - former) as adverb (with or without the article)]

1. previously

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
former, before

Neuter of proteros as adverb (with or without the article); previously -- before, (at the) first, former.

see GREEK proteros

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
adverb from proteros, q.v.

Topical Lexicon
Overview

Strong’s Greek 4386, an adverb meaning “formerly” or “earlier,” marks a contrast between a past condition and a present reality. In the New Testament it functions theologically to highlight transformation, remind believers of God’s faithfulness over time, and clarify chronological sequence.

Temporal Contrast in Personal Transformation

1. Ephesians 4:22 connects the believer’s “former way of life” with the command to “put off your old self,” underscoring the sharp break between unregenerate conduct and life in Christ.
2. 1 Peter 1:14 echoes the same pastoral appeal: “As obedient children, do not conform to the passions you had formerly in your ignorance.” The adverb intensifies the exhortation by rooting it in a remembered state of spiritual darkness.
3. 1 Timothy 1:13 provides Paul’s testimony: “I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man, yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.” Here πρότερον magnifies grace by spotlighting the radical change wrought by the gospel.

Chronological Sequencing in the Ministry of Jesus

John’s Gospel uses the term narratively:
John 6:62 points the disciples back to where they saw the Son of Man “before,” preparing them for the ascension.
John 7:50 reminds the reader that Nicodemus had “come to Jesus earlier,” framing his gradual movement from cautious inquiry to courageous defense (John 19:39).
John 9:8 records neighbors debating whether the healed man was “the same one who used to sit and beg,” thereby authenticating the miracle by reference to his prior public identity.

Apostolic Travel and Pastoral Planning

2 Corinthians 1:15 and Galatians 4:13 employ the word in regard to Paul’s itinerary and earlier evangelistic efforts. The term secures the historical reliability of apostolic ministry and shows that missionary plans unfolded over time under divine sovereignty.

Sacrificial and Covenantal Fulfillment

Hebrews weaves πρότερον into its argument:
Hebrews 7:27 contrasts the repetitive sacrifices of Levitical priests done “first for their own sins” with Christ’s once-for-all offering.
Hebrews 10:32 urges believers to recall “those earlier days” of suffering after conversion, inspiring perseverance.
Hebrews 4:6 and 4:7 (contextually linked) remind readers that the promise of rest, though offered before, still stands, disclosing the continuity of God’s redemptive plan.

Theological and Pastoral Significance

• Memory as Motivation: Recalling what was “formerly” fortifies gratitude and holiness.
• Continuity of Revelation: The term affirms that God’s dealings are consistent—He acts in history, speaks, and fulfills promises in identifiable stages.
• Assurance in Sanctification: Saints grow by recognizing the gulf between past and present; the adverb anchors exhortations in concrete reality rather than abstract idealism.
• Evangelistic Bridge: Personal testimonies framed by πρότερον demonstrate that no life is beyond divine renewal.

Ministry Application

1. Discipleship: Encourage believers to journal “before and after” markers of grace.
2. Counseling: Help repentant sinners see how God transforms “former” patterns.
3. Preaching: Use passages containing πρότερον to trace the storyline of redemption and to call for decisive, observable change.
4. Church History: Celebrate anniversaries of revivals or missionary endeavors by recounting “earlier days,” cultivating awe at God’s ongoing work.

Conclusion

Wherever πρότερον appears, Scripture is urging readers to look back only long enough to magnify what God has accomplished and to press forward in faith, obedience, and enduring hope.

Forms and Transliterations
προτεραν προτέραν προτερον πρότερον proteran protéran proteron próteron
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
John 6:62 Adj-NNS
GRK: ἦν τὸ πρότερον
KJV: where he was before?
INT: he was before

John 7:50 Adj-ANS
GRK: αὐτὸν τὸ πρότερον εἷς ὢν
INT: him the former one being

John 9:8 Adj-ANS
GRK: αὐτὸν τὸ πρότερον ὅτι προσαίτης
KJV: and they which before had seen
INT: him before that a beggar

2 Corinthians 1:15 Adv
GRK: πεποιθήσει ἐβουλόμην πρότερον πρὸς ὑμᾶς
KJV: unto you before, that ye might have
INT: confidence I purposed previously to you

Galatians 4:13 Adj-ANS
GRK: ὑμῖν τὸ πρότερον
KJV: unto you at the first.
INT: to you at the first

Ephesians 4:22 Adj-AFS
GRK: κατὰ τὴν προτέραν ἀναστροφὴν τὸν
INT: according to the former conduct the

1 Timothy 1:13 Adv
GRK: τὸ πρότερον ὄντα βλάσφημον
KJV: Who was before a blasphemer, and
INT: previously being a blasphemer

Hebrews 4:6 Adv
GRK: καὶ οἱ πρότερον εὐαγγελισθέντες οὐκ
KJV: and they to whom it was first preached
INT: and the [ones] formerly having received the gospel not

Hebrews 7:27 Adv
GRK: οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς πρότερον ὑπὲρ τῶν
KJV: sacrifice, first for
INT: the high priests first for the

Hebrews 10:32 Adj-ANS
GRK: δὲ τὰς πρότερον ἡμέρας ἐν
KJV: call to remembrance the former days,
INT: moreover the former days in

1 Peter 1:14 Adj-ANS
GRK: συσχηματιζόμενοι ταῖς πρότερον ἐν τῇ
KJV: fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts
INT: fashioning yourselves to the former in the

Strong's Greek 4386
11 Occurrences


προτέραν — 1 Occ.
πρότερον — 10 Occ.

4385
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