Prefer
The Biblical Meaning of Prefer
The English word "prefer" in Bible translations does not always carry its common modern meaning of choosing one thing over another. In several passages, it translates words that mean to honor, to distinguish, to advance in rank, or to go before. Understanding these different nuances helps readers appreciate the theological depth of the passages where the word appears.
Preferring Jerusalem Above All Joy
The most emotionally powerful use of "prefer" appears in Psalm 137:6, where the exiled psalmist declares, "If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy." Here, "prefer" means to set something as the highest priority, to elevate it above all other sources of happiness. The exiles' devotion to Jerusalem was not merely sentimental but expressed their loyalty to the place where God had chosen to dwell.
Preferring One Another in Honor
In Romans 12:10, Paul exhorts believers to "outdo one another in showing honor." The King James Version renders this as "in honour preferring one another." This instruction calls Christians to reverse the natural human tendency toward self-promotion by actively seeking to elevate others above themselves. The word here carries the sense of taking the lead in giving honor, going first in recognizing the value of others.
Christ as the Preferred One
In John 1:15 and 1:30, John the Baptist declares that Jesus is "preferred" before him, meaning that Jesus has a higher rank and greater dignity. The underlying Greek word means to become or to come into being, suggesting that Jesus holds a position of superiority that transcends chronological order. Though John was born before Jesus, he recognized that Jesus existed before him and held a status infinitely beyond his own.
Esther's Preferment
In Esther 2:9, the word "preferred" describes how Esther was given a favored position within the king's household. She was provided with the best cosmetics, the best food, and the best quarters. This preferment was part of God's providential plan to place Esther in a position where she could save her people from destruction.
Daniel's Distinction
In Daniel 6:3, Daniel was "preferred" above the other officials because of his exceptional spirit. Modern translations render this as "distinguished" rather than "preferred," but the meaning is clear: Daniel's character and competence set him apart. His distinction arose not from political maneuvering but from the work of God in his life.
Biblical Context
The word 'prefer' appears in several key passages: Psalm 137:6 (preferring Jerusalem above all joy), Romans 12:10 (preferring one another in honor), John 1:15, 30 (Christ preferred before John the Baptist), Esther 2:9 (Esther given a favored position), and Daniel 6:3 (Daniel distinguished above other officials). Each usage carries a distinct nuance of the concept.
Theological Significance
The biblical concept of preferring others teaches that Christian character is marked by humility and the active elevation of others. Romans 12:10 transforms 'prefer' from a passive choice into an active practice of honor-giving. John the Baptist's recognition of Christ's preference establishes the supremacy of Jesus over all other figures, while the psalmist's preference for Jerusalem models wholehearted devotion to God's purposes.
Historical Background
The various Hebrew and Greek words translated 'prefer' in older English Bibles reflect the richness of ancient languages in expressing concepts of honor, rank, and priority. In Greco-Roman culture, public honor was a primary social currency, and Paul's instruction to prefer others in honor was countercultural. In the Persian court setting of Esther and Daniel, preferment by the king carried both privilege and danger, as elevated officials became targets of jealousy.