Lexical Summary proballó: To put forward, to propose, to bring forth Original Word: προβάλλω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance put forward, shoot forth. From pro and ballo; to throw forward, i.e. Push to the front, germinate -- put forward, shoot forth. see GREEK pro see GREEK ballo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pro and balló Definition to throw before NASB Translation put...forward (1), put forth (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4261: προβάλλωπροβάλλω; 2 aorist προεβαλον; from Homer down; to throw forward (cf. πρό, d. α.); of trees, to shoot forth, put out, namely, leaves; to germinate (cf. Buttmann, § 130, 4; Winer's Grammar, 593 (552)) (with καρπόν, added, Josephus, Antiquities 4, 8, 19; Epict. 1, 15, 7): Luke 21:30; to push forward, thrust forward, put forward: τινα, Acts 19:33. Topical Lexicon Literary Setting Strong’s Greek 4261 appears in narrative, not didactic, passages. Each scene involves a sudden, visible emergence: tender leaves that tell of an approaching summer and a spokesman thrust before an agitated crowd. The verb marks the transition from obscurity to unmistakable public notice. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 21:30: “When they have already budded, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near.” Prophetic Significance in Luke 21:30 The budding of the fig tree functions as a living parable. Just as new leaves certify the nearness of summer, so the observable events Jesus had just described certify that “the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:31). The emphasis rests on discernment: disciples are expected to watch history unfold and, recognizing the signs, live in readiness for Christ’s return. By employing a common, annual phenomenon, the Lord anchors eschatological expectancy in the rhythms of everyday life—anticipation rooted in creation’s testimony (Romans 1:20). Ecclesiastical and Communal Dynamics in Acts 19:33 At Ephesus, an uproar threatens both civic order and gospel witness. The Jewish community, anxious to dissociate itself from Paul, pushes Alexander forward as their representative. His emergence illustrates how a person can be propelled into the public eye by collective pressures rather than voluntary initiative. Luke’s narrative contrasts flesh-driven maneuvering with Paul’s Spirit-directed proclamation, highlighting the different motives that can place individuals on a platform. It also foreshadows Paul’s later exhortations about orderly testimony before unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:33-40). Old Testament Background and Thematic Parallels The motif of something “coming forth” to mark divine timing echoes: In each case God authenticates His purposes through visible emergence. Luke’s fig tree and Alexander’s public defense sit in this continuum of providential signals. Theological Implications 1. Providential Timing: God uses ordinary phenomena (seasonal growth) and extraordinary circumstances (riotous mobs) alike to announce His purposes. Practical Ministry Applications • Discern the Season: Pastors and believers should cultivate spiritual perception, distinguishing between transient cultural trends and biblically significant developments. Patristic and Historical Reception Early commentators such as Irenaeus cited the fig-tree parable when refuting date-setting, stressing the balance between watchfulness and humility. Chrysostom observed that Alexander’s forced prominence exemplifies how worldly ambition contrasts with apostolic boldness. Reformers later drew on Luke 21:30 to encourage vigilance amid societal upheaval. Hymnody and Liturgical Use Hymns on Christ’s return often incorporate the image of budding fig leaves (“Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending”). Liturgically, the passage is read in Advent, calling the church to anticipate both the Incarnation celebrated and the Second Coming awaited. Summary and Exhortation Strong’s 4261 illumines the moment something hidden becomes conspicuous. Whether forecasting the culmination of redemptive history or spotlighting a reluctant advocate, Scripture employs the term to show that God’s purposes, though sometimes latent, inevitably surface. The faithful response is readiness: eyes open to the signs, hearts anchored in the Word, and voices prepared to witness when providence puts us forward. Forms and Transliterations προβάλλετε προβαλλομένοις προβαλλόντων προβάλλουσι προβαλοντων προβαλόντων προβαλού προβαλώ προβαλωσιν προβάλωσιν προεβαλόυ probalonton probalontōn probalónton probalóntōn probalosin probalōsin probálosin probálōsinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 21:30 V-ASA-3PGRK: ὅταν προβάλωσιν ἤδη βλέποντες NAS: as soon as they put forth [leaves], you see KJV: they now shoot forth, ye see INT: when they sprout already looking [on them] Acts 19:33 V-APA-GMP Strong's Greek 4261 |
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