προσδοκία

expectation, waiting

Definition

The Greek word προσδοκία (prosdokia) means 'expectation' or 'waiting,' but with a strong nuance of anticipation for something specific to occur. In the New Testament, it carries both a positive sense of hopeful expectation and a negative sense of anxious dread, depending on the context. In Luke 21:26, it describes the fearful expectation of coming judgment that will cause people's hearts to fail, while in Acts 12:11, it refers to Peter's realization of his deliverance from the Jewish people's expectation (or plot) of his execution.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, in Luke and Acts, both written by Luke. Its usage shows a pattern of describing a collective or public expectation focused on a significant impending event. In Luke 21:26, it is used eschatologically for the dread of the nations at the signs of the end times. In Acts 12:11, it is used historically for the anticipated outcome of Peter's imprisonment under Herod.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition πρό (pro, 'before') combined with the root of δοκέω (dokeō, 'to think, seem, suppose'). Literally, it means a 'thinking beforehand' or a 'forethought,' which developed into the meaning of 'expectation.' It is related to the verb προσδοκάω (prosdokaō, G4328), meaning 'to expect' or 'to look for.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the human posture in relation to God's intervention, whether in judgment or deliverance. In Luke 21:26, it underscores the terror of those unprepared for the Day of the Lord, contrasting with the believer's call to confident watchfulness. In Acts 12:11, it frames a miraculous rescue, showing God sovereignly overturning human expectations. Understanding this term enriches reading by emphasizing that biblical expectation is not passive waiting but an active, conscious anticipation of divine action.

In the Greco-Roman world, expectation (prosdokia) was a common concept in literature and philosophy, often concerning fate, divine will, or the outcome of events. The negative connotation of anxious dread, as in Luke 21:26, aligns with ancient descriptions of cosmic portents and societal fear. The usage in Acts reflects the very real political and religious tensions of the time, where public expectation could mean life or death.

ἐλπίς (elpis, G1680) — a more general term for 'hope,' often with a positive, faith-based connotation. προσδοκάω (prosdokaō, G4328) — the verb form meaning 'to expect' or 'await.' ἀναμένω (anamenō, G362) — to wait for, often with patience.

Word Details

Scripture References