"to outstrip, anticipate; to anticipate any one in doing or saying a thing, be beforehand with, Mt. 17:25*"
Definition and meaning
to outstrip, anticipate; to anticipate any one in doing or saying a thing, be beforehand with, Mt. 17:25*
In the original Greek the word is written: προφθάνω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of prophthano (G4399) across the King James Bible.
He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G4399 (prophthano) is a Greek word that means: to outstrip, anticipate; to anticipate any one in doing or saying a thing, be beforehand with, Mt. 17:25* It appears 1 times in the King James Bible.
The word prophthano (G4399) appears 1 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4399 is prophthano, a Greek word defined as: to outstrip, anticipate; to anticipate any one in doing or saying a thing, be beforehand with, Mt. 17:25*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
prophthano is a Greek word found in the New Testament.