UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: forerunner

Semantic entry: 36.9

Semantic domains: Guide, Discipline, Follow

Subdomains: Guide, Lead

Definition: (a figurative extension of meaning of πρόδρομος ‘one who runs on ahead,’ not occurring in the NT) one who undergoes an experience in advance of others

Notes: In rendering πρόδρομος in OET HEB 6:20 it is important to avoid an expression which would suggest that Jesus simply ‘ran on ahead.’ The implication of πρόδρομος in this type of context is that of a precursor, that is to say, one who goes on ahead in order to show the way or to pioneer on behalf of someone else. OET HEB 6:20 may therefore be rendered as ‘Jesus went on ahead of us in there for our benefit.’