προχειρίζομαι

I appoint, choose, elect

Definition

The verb προχειρίζομαι means to appoint, choose, or designate someone for a specific purpose or task. It carries the sense of selecting and setting someone apart for a role, often by a higher authority. In its two New Testament occurrences, it is used exclusively by God as the acting subject. In Acts 22:14, Ananias tells Paul that 'the God of our fathers has chosen you (προεχειρίσατο) to know his will.' In Acts 26:16, the risen Jesus tells Paul he has appeared to him 'to appoint you (προχειρίσασθαί) as a servant and witness.' The meaning is consistent across both passages: divine selection and commissioning.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both in the book of Acts within speeches recounting Paul's conversion and calling. In both instances (Acts 22:14 and 26:16), God or the Lord Jesus is the one who does the 'appointing,' and Paul is the object. The context is the divine initiation and authorization of Paul's apostolic mission to the Gentiles. The usage pattern highlights a sovereign, purposeful selection by God for a specific, life-defining role.

Etymology

The word προχειρίζομαι is a compound verb formed from πρό (pro), meaning 'before' or 'in front of,' and a verb related to χείρ (cheir), meaning 'hand.' Literally, it means 'to take into one's hand beforehand' or 'to put one's hand to' a task or person. This vivid image evolved into the more abstract sense of selecting or designating someone for a role, as if laying hands on them in advance for a purpose.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the doctrine of divine calling and election. It portrays God's active, sovereign choice in setting apart individuals for His service, as seen in Paul's apostolic commission. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing that Paul's ministry was not self-initiated but was a direct, premeditated appointment by God. It connects to themes of grace, authority, and purpose in Christian vocation.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'appointing' or 'choosing' someone often involved a formal, public act of selection for an office or task. The word's root in 'hand' (χείρ) may subtly connect to cultural practices of laying on hands for commissioning or authorization. God's act of προχειρίζομαι positions Him as the supreme authority who commissions, akin to an emperor or high official appointing an emissary.

ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai, G1586) — emphasizes the act of choosing out from among others; προορίζω (proorizō, G4309) — focuses on predestining or determining beforehand; τάσσω (tassō, G5021) — means to arrange, appoint, or assign, often in a military or orderly sense.

Word Details

Scripture References