[Greek] προβάλλω (proballō), [Latin] promovere, [Latin] producere, [Latin] propellere: to throw before, to put forward, to throw an obstacle (problem) forward, to throw something (problema) forward, to put forth (foliage), to throw forward, to push to the front, to shoot forth, to set before; Lk.21:30, Acts 19:33
Ficus Sycamorus (Fig tree) in Israel: Luke makes reference to the Lesson of the Fig Tree. The buds bursting from the fig tree foretell that the Kingdom of God is near.
Background Information:
Etymology: This term is related to the Greek noun problema, which means something or obstacle that is thrown forward. Other meanings include anything projecting, fence, barrier, and something to be solved. The term problem was first coined in the late 14th century as a difficult question proposed for a solution. This sense of difficulty and mathematical sense was first coined in the mid-15th century. Many varied senses of this term occur in the Greco-Roman era.
Greek Hellenism: This term means to throw before, to lay before, to put forward, to speak in a riddle, to expose, to give up, to stick out, to set before, to challenge a person, to protect, to cover oneself, to guard against, to accuse, and to attack. Putting forward can include horses, strife, arguments, pleas, problems, challenges, accusations, barriers, and appointments. Throwing forward can involve exposing, defeating, surpassing, and casting (nets). Plato’s Sophist 261a states, “It certainly seems strange, that he was a hard kind of creature to catch—is true; for he seems to have no end of defences, and when he throws one of them up, his opponent has first to fight through it before he can reach the man himself.” Demosthenes Philippic 3 states, “I will call upon him to move a resolution and to do something and to play us no tricks.” Andocides’ On the Mysteries 1.132 states, “They actually proposed me for public service, first as Gymnasiarch, then head of the state deputation to the Isthmus and to Olympia.” Isaeus’ Apolldorus 7.3 states, “I should have brought forward witnessed to show that the estate is not liable to adjudication.” Xenophon’s Hellenica 1.7.35 states, “They voted that complaints be brought against anyone who had deceived the people.”
Old Testament: This term, having various meanings, can mean to speak in riddles, to teach, to point, to throw (cast) out, to polish, and to shoot. Speaking in riddles often conveys knowledge (wisdom) in the form of parables. Pointing out involves also conveying wisdom and teaching. Throwing or casting out involves banishment, stones, and nets. Shooting involves arrows and other weapons. Scouring and polishing involve the cleaning and maintenance of utensils, vessels, and weapons.
New Testament: Interestingly, this term really does not play any significant role in the New Testament. This term refers to a fig trees’ buds bursting forth and being pushed forward. Luke mentions that fig trees’ buds bursting foretell that summer and the kingdom of God are near. In Ephesus, the silversmiths were becoming very disturbed about how Christianity (and Paul) were disrupting their way of pagan way of life. Paul persuaded a great number of Jews in saying these hand-made gods were no gods at all. The Jews brought forth Alexander in response to this disturbance. Alexander, a Jewish silversmith, perhaps was going to denounce this Christian teaching.
Scripture:
“When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is near.” Lk.21:30
This refers to the lesson of the fig tree, foretelling that the kingdom of God is near.
“Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, as the Jews pushed him forward, and Alexander signaled with his hand that he wished to explain something to the gathering.” Acts 19:33
Alexander was perhaps going to denounce the Christian beliefs about worshipping idols. Alexander also was perhaps going to denounce his Jewish faith, since he was also a silversmith.
Conclusion:
Problem, problematic, move, propel, produce
It was interesting to learn about the etymology of the related Greek noun (problema). This is essentially something proposed or brought forward. This term is quite frequently used in many ways and meanings in the Greco-Roman era. I certainly can see how a philosopher would speak in riddles to convey some wisdom. Plato’s Sophist 261a interestingly alludes to the concept of a ‘problem”, when one has to overcome the many defenses of a sophist (philosophical “wise” guy).
I was also surprised by the extensive use of this term in the Old Testament. I also can imagine a rabbi speaking in riddles (parables) to his disciples. I think it goes without saying one has a problem when one needs to cast out an enemy by banishment, condemnation, or death. It is not a surprise that these ideas are related to each other.
I was also surprised by the very limited use of this term in the New Testament. Again, it is not surprising that Alexander was brought forward in response to the problem of silversmiths in Ephesus. Paul was becoming a problem to these silversmiths’ way of life.
The Latin ficus means fig. The Greek sykon also means fig. A sycophant originally meant “fig revealer.” Figs were so important that the Greeks banned their export to other nations. A sycophant, also proverbially known as a “yes-man”, “kiss-ass”, or “suck up” (towing the company line), may have been a person who informs the authorities on those fig farmers who illegally sell or steals figs. A sycophant, working for someone, may extort or make false accusations against other fig traders (competitors). Now, that can be a problem!