πρόθεσις

the show-bread, predetermination

Definition

The Greek word πρόθεσις (prothesis) carries two primary meanings in the New Testament. First, it refers literally to the 'setting forth' or 'presentation' of the consecrated bread in the temple, known as the 'showbread' or 'bread of the Presence' (Matthew 12:4, Mark 2:26, Luke 6:4). Second, and more prominently, it denotes a 'predetermined purpose' or 'plan,' particularly the sovereign, intentional will of God. This sense of divine purpose is central in passages like Romans 8:28, where God works all things according to His purpose, and Ephesians 1:11, which speaks of believers being predestined according to His plan.

Biblical Usage

Πρόθεσις is used 12 times in the New Testament. Its literal, ritual sense appears only in the Synoptic Gospels' accounts of David eating the showbread. The majority of its uses are theological, describing God's predetermined purpose. This usage is concentrated in the writings of Paul (Romans 8:28, 9:11; Ephesians 1:11; 2 Timothy 1:9) and Luke (Acts 11:23, 27:13), where it emphasizes God's intentional and gracious plan in salvation history and the lives of believers.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition πρό (pro, meaning 'before' or 'in front of') and the noun θέσις (thesis, meaning 'a placing' or 'setting'). The compound thus literally means 'a setting before' or 'a placing in front.' This concrete meaning evolved into the more abstract concepts of a 'plan' or 'purpose' that is 'set forth' or 'intended beforehand.'

Semantic Range

Πρόθεσις is a theologically significant term that anchors the believer's hope in the sovereign, good, and intentional plan of God. It teaches that salvation and history are not accidental but flow from God's deliberate counsel (Ephesians 1:11). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that the 'purpose' mentioned in key verses like Romans 8:28 is not a vague hope but God's specific, pre-ordained design, offering profound assurance of His control and faithfulness.

The literal meaning connects directly to Jewish temple worship. The 'showbread' (literally 'bread of the presentation') consisted of twelve loaves placed weekly on a golden table in the Holy Place (Exodus 25:30). This was not merely food but a symbolic offering 'set before' God's presence, representing His covenant with and provision for the twelve tribes of Israel. This ritual background gives depth to Jesus' reference in the Gospels, showing His authority over sacred tradition.

βουλή (boulē, G1012) — emphasizes God's deliberate counsel or will. γνώμη (gnōmē, G1106) — often a judgment, opinion, or purpose derived from one's mind. ἐπιθυμία (epithymia, G1939) — typically a strong desire or lust, lacking the premeditated, intentional connotation of πρόθεσις.

Word Details

Scripture References