Lexical Summary prothesis: Purpose, setting forth, plan, intention Original Word: πρόθεσις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance purpose, showbread. From protithemai; a setting forth, i.e. (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the Temple) as exposed before God -- purpose, shew(-bread). see GREEK protithemai HELPS Word-studies 4286 próthesis (from 4253 /pró, "before" and 5087 /títhēmi, "purposefully set forth") – properly, providence – literally, "a setting forth in advance for a specific purpose ("God's pre-thesis"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom protithémi Definition a setting forth, i.e. fig. proposal, spec. the showbread, sacred (bread) NASB Translation consecrated (3), purpose (7), resolute (1), sacred (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4286: πρόθεσιςπρόθεσις, προθέσεως, ἡ (προτίθημι); 1. the setting forth of a thing, placing of it in view (Plato, Demosthenes, Plutarch); οἱ ἄρτοι τῆς προθέσεως (Vulg.panes propositionis), the showbread, the Sept. for הַפָנִים לֶחֶם (Exodus 35:13; Exodus 39:18 ( 2. a purpose (2 Macc. 3:8; (Aristotle), Polybius, Diodorus, Plutarch): Acts 27:13; Romans 8:28; Romans 9:11; Ephesians 1:11; Ephesians 3:11; 2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Timothy 3:10; τῇ προθέσει τῆς καρδίας, with purpose of heart, Acts 11:23. Strong's Greek number 4286 describes an action of deliberate setting forth, whether of bread before God or of intentions and plans. Scripture applies the term to three principal spheres: the sacred “bread of presentation,” the sovereign purpose of God, and the conscious resolve of human beings. The contexts together underscore that what is deliberately set before the Lord—objects, plans, or lives—belongs ultimately to Him. Showbread: Sacred Presentation before God Matthew 12:4; Mark 2:26; Luke 6:4; Hebrews 9:2 In the Tabernacle and Temple the twelve loaves were placed “before the LORD” as a perpetual memorial (Leviticus 24:5-9). Jesus appeals to this ordinance when defending His disciples’ Sabbath actions, reminding His hearers that mercy precedes ritual and that a greater-than-temple presence now stands among them. Hebrews 9:2, while reviewing the furnishings of the first room of the sanctuary, names the “consecrated bread,” linking it to the larger argument that earthly symbols pointed forward to Christ’s perfect ministry. The repeated mention of the showbread highlights the abiding truth that worship involves purposeful presentation and that fellowship with God is sustained by provision that He Himself ordains. Ministry significance: Divine Purpose and Sovereign Plan Romans 8:28; Romans 9:11; Ephesians 1:11; Ephesians 3:11; 2 Timothy 1:9 These verses employ the term for God’s eternal intention, conceived before time and carried out in Christ. Theological significance: Human Resolve and Apostolic Example Acts 11:23; Acts 27:13; 2 Timothy 3:10 Pastoral implications: Historical Background In Hellenistic usage the word could denote public placards or plans set forth. The Septuagint employs it for the arrangement of the bread of the Presence. The New Testament writers, steeped in this heritage, draw upon both ceremonial and colloquial senses, allowing the single term to bridge altar and daily life. Practical Application 1. Worship: Cultivate services that consciously present praise, offerings, and petitions before God, echoing the continual display of the showbread. Related Concepts • βουλή (boule) – counsel or will of God (Acts 2:23). Each term complements Strong’s 4286, together forming a robust biblical doctrine of God’s will and human alignment. Summary Across its twelve New Testament occurrences, Strong’s 4286 unites worship, doctrine, and daily living under the banner of purposeful presentation. Whether bread in the Holy Place, the Father’s redemptive plan, or the believer’s steadfast heart, Scripture teaches that what is deliberately set forth before God finds its true meaning and lasting fruit in Him. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 12:4 N-GFSGRK: ἄρτους τῆς προθέσεως ἔφαγον ὃ NAS: and they ate the consecrated bread, INT: loaves of the presentation he ate which Mark 2:26 N-GFS Luke 6:4 N-GFS Acts 11:23 N-DFS Acts 27:13 N-GFS Romans 8:28 N-AFS Romans 9:11 N-NFS Ephesians 1:11 N-AFS Ephesians 3:11 N-AFS 2 Timothy 1:9 N-AFS 2 Timothy 3:10 N-DFS Hebrews 9:2 N-NFS Strong's Greek 4286 |