προτρέπω
I encourage, exhort
Definition
The verb προτρέπω (protrepō) means to urge, encourage, or exhort someone to a course of action. It carries the sense of strongly persuading or moving someone forward, often in a positive, supportive manner. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 18:27, it describes the believers in Achaia writing to encourage the disciples in Ephesus to welcome Apollos. While the core meaning is consistent, the context suggests an exhortation that facilitates ministry and fellowship.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 18:27. It appears in a narrative context describing the early church's support for a fellow worker, Apollos. The usage shows the word applied in a communal, ecclesiastical setting where believers are urged to receive and support a gifted teacher, highlighting its role in fostering unity and mission.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition πρό (pro), meaning 'before' or 'forward,' and the verb τρέπω (trepō), meaning 'to turn.' Thus, the compound literally means 'to turn forward' or 'to urge onward.' This root idea of turning someone toward a direction or action perfectly captures its meaning of encouragement and exhortation.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, προτρέπω is theologically significant as it models positive, proactive encouragement within the body of Christ. It goes beyond mere suggestion to active persuasion for the sake of unity and gospel advancement, as seen in the church's endorsement of Apollos in Acts 18:27. Understanding this Greek term enriches our reading by highlighting the early church's intentionality in building up its members and facilitating ministry.
In the Greco-Roman world, this verb was used in various contexts, from philosophical exhortations to military encouragement. Its use in Acts reflects the early Christian community adopting common language of persuasion and advocacy to strengthen internal fellowship and commend workers, a practice also seen in letters of recommendation in the ancient world.
παρακαλέω (parakaleō, G3870) — a broader term for exhorting, comforting, or appealing; often used in epistles. προτρέπω implies a stronger, more specific urging toward an action.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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