Fitting, Proper

Greek Word Pronunciation: PRE-po
Strong’s Number: 4241
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 4560
Key Verse: “For it was fitting for us to have such a High Priest …” -- Hebrews 7:26

Prepo is a verb that means “to be conspicuous, to tower up, to be distinguished,” that is, to be suitable or proper. The KJV translates the word as becometh.

Paul uses this word in speaking of appropriate behavior for women, for Ephesian Christians, and for Timothy and Titus. In 1 Corinthians 11:13, Paul says “… is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?” It would be disgraceful for Christian women to conform to heathen priestesses, so Paul appeals to their sense of honor and decency. In 1 Timothy 2:10, Paul wishes women to wear clothing “as is proper” for professing Christians, since it is not appropriate for them to wear such ornaments as would indicate that the heart is supremely attached to worldly things. In Ephesians 5:3, Paul implores them to refrain from immoral behavior “as is proper among saints.” As Christians are regarded as holy, these sins should not be part of their behavior. In Titus 2:1, Paul commands Titus to “speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.” These should be spoken out plainly, and frequently insisted upon, for the honor of God and the service of one another. In Matthew 3:15, Jesus said to John, “… it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus was showing forth a perfect obedience, and setting a perfect example. It “became” Him to submit to the institution of baptism, and it “became” John to administer it to Him. In Hebrews 2:10, the writer says “it was fitting” for God, suitable to Him, to offer Jesus as a sacrifice, in order to bring many sons and daughters to glory.

In HEBREWS 7:26, “it was fitting for us to have such a high priest …” It was suited to our condition. We need not only One who ever lives, but One who is perfectly holy, and who has no need to bring an offering for Himself, and all the merit of whose sacrifice, therefore, may be ours. Such a High Priest we have in the person of the Lord Jesus. He is exactly fitted to man. He is benevolent, and pities our woes; wise, and He is able to enlighten our ignorance; compassionate, and ready to forgive our faults. He has made such a sacrifice as was necessary to put away our guilt, and offers such intercession as we need to have offered for us in order that we may be preserved from falling.