Strong's Lexicon proistemi: To lead, to manage, to rule, to care for Original Word: προΐστημι Word Origin: From πρό (pro, "before") and ἵστημι (histemi, "to stand") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "proistemi," the concept of leadership and care can be related to Hebrew words like נָגִיד (nagid, "leader") and רָעָה (ra'ah, "to shepherd"). Usage: The Greek verb "proistemi" primarily means to stand before or to lead. It conveys the idea of leadership, management, or governance, often with a sense of care and responsibility. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the role of leaders within the church and the family, emphasizing the importance of guiding and caring for others. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, leadership was often associated with authority and power. However, the New Testament redefines leadership in terms of service and care. The use of "proistemi" in the early Christian context reflects a model of leadership that is not domineering but rather nurturing and protective, aligning with the teachings of Jesus on servant leadership. HELPS Word-studies 4291 proístēmi (from 4253 /pró, "before" and 2476 /hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, "pre-standing," referring to a pre-set (well-established) character which provides the needed model to direct others, i.e. to positively impact them by example. 4291 /proístēmi ("diligent to take the lead") underlines the effectiveness of influencing people by having a respected reputation, i.e. one built on a solid "track-record." This happens by setting the example of excellence by living in faith (cf. Ro 12:3,8). [See also the derivative, 4368 /prostátis, which is used of a woman who has an impressive Christian reputation (Phoebe, Ro 16:2).] Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4291: προΐστημιπροΐστημι: 2 aorist infinitive προστῆναι; perfect participle προεστώς; present middle προισταμαι; from Homer, Iliad 4, 156 down; 1. in the transitive tenses to set or place before; to set over. 2. in the perfect pluperfect and 2 aorist active and in the present and imperfect middle a. to be over, to superintend, preside over (A. V. rule) (so from Herodotus down): 1 Timothy 5:17; with a genitive of the person or thing over which one presides, 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 3:4f, 12. b. to be a protector or guardian; to give aid (Euripides, Demosthenes, Aeschines, Polybius): Romans 12:8 ((others with A. V. to rule; cf. Fritzsche at the passage; Stuart, commentary, excurs. xii.)). c. to care for, give attention to: with a genitive of the thing, καλῶν ἔργων, Titus 3:8, 14; for examples from secular writings see Kypke and Lösner; (some (cf. R. V. marginal reading) would render these two examples profess honest occupations (see ἔργον, 1); but cf. ἔργον, 3, p. 248b middle and Field, Otium Norv. pars iii, at the passage cited). From pro and histemi; to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise -- maintain, be over, rule. see GREEK pro see GREEK histemi Englishman's Concordance Romans 12:8 V-PPM-NMSGRK: ἁπλότητι ὁ προϊστάμενος ἐν σπουδῇ NAS: with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; KJV: simplicity; he that ruleth, with INT: simplicity he that takes the lead with earnestness 1 Thessalonians 5:12 V-PPM-AMP 1 Timothy 3:4 V-PPM-AMS 1 Timothy 3:5 V-ANA 1 Timothy 3:12 V-PPM-NMP 1 Timothy 5:17 V-RPA-NMP Titus 3:8 V-PNM Titus 3:14 V-PNM Strong's Greek 4291 |
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