This aorist form functioned where προλέγω had no present tense, meaning to speak beforehand with emphasis on public declaration or prophetic announcement. Classical usage included foretelling future events and making public proclamations. In Acts 1:16, Peter refers to how Scripture foretold Judas's betrayal—the Holy Spirit through David's mouth spoke beforehand about what would happen. The verb underscores the prophetic nature of Old Testament texts that anticipated events in Christ's ministry.