Refiner Word Study protos (G4416)
G4416  ·  Greek  ·  Strong's Concordance
πρώτως
protos
9 occurrences in Scripture Greek

"for the first time, Acts 11:26*"

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Definition and meaning

What does protos mean in Greek?

9
Occurrences in Scripture
G4416
Strong's number
Greek
Original language

for the first time, Acts 11:26*

In the original Greek the word is written: πρώτως

Historical context

What was happening when this word was written?

Roman-Occupied Judea (c. 4 BC-AD 30)

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

Top 9 Bible verses with protos

These are the most notable occurrences of protos (G4416) across the King James Bible.

Matthew 1:25

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Luke 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Romans 8:29

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Colossians 1:15

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Hebrews 1:6

And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

Hebrews 11:28

Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

Hebrews 12:23

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Revelation 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions about protos

What does protos mean in Greek?

Strong's G4416 (protos) is a Greek word that means: for the first time, Acts 11:26* It appears 9 times in the King James Bible.

How many times does protos appear in the Bible?

The word protos (G4416) appears 9 times in the original Greek text.

What is Strong's number G4416?

Strong's G4416 is protos, a Greek word defined as: for the first time, Acts 11:26*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.

Is protos in the Old Testament or New Testament?

protos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.