Brief Overview of ἐπεκτείνομαι (Strong’s G1901: epekteínomai)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies, as it helps uncover the depth and nuance of the original texts. The Greek word ἐπεκτείνομαι (transliterated as “epekteínomai”) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of “stretching forward” or “straining toward.” This word is important for interpreting New Testament passages where effort, progress, or reaching beyond one’s current state is discussed, offering rich insights into both theological interpretation and the cultural perspectives of ancient Greece.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐπεκτείνομαι (epekteínomai) [eh-pehk-TEI-noh-my]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings:
• Derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and ἐκτείνω (ekteinō), meaning “to stretch” or “to extend.” The combined form ἐπεκτείνομαι implies “stretching oneself forward” or “extending oneself beyond.”
• Part of Speech: Verb, Middle/Passive Voice
• Grammatical Details: Present tense, middle/passive voice, first person singular. This verb form indicates a continuous or habitual action.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• “To stretch forward”
• “To reach toward”
• “To extend oneself”
• “To strain toward”

Similar Words:
The Greek word ἐκτείνω (ekteinō) [ehk-TEI-noh], which means “to stretch” or “to extend,” is closely related to ἐπεκτείνομαι. While both words imply an extension, ἐπεκτείνομαι adds the prefix ἐπί (epi), which conveys an additional layer of direction or focus, suggesting a purposeful or goal-oriented stretching forward. Another related word, παρατείνω (parateinō) [pah-rah-TEI-noh], means “to stretch alongside” or “to prolong,” which can imply an extension in time or alongside another object rather than reaching forward toward a goal.

Further Insights:
As a verb in the middle/passive voice, ἐπεκτείνομαι reflects an action that the subject performs with a sense of involvement or reflexivity. This voice emphasizes the subject’s engagement in the action of stretching or reaching out. The present tense indicates an ongoing or repeated action, making it relevant in contexts where continuous effort or striving is emphasized.
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Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines ἐπεκτείνομαι as a verb meaning “to stretch forward” or “to strain toward.” It emphasizes the word’s use in contexts where striving or making progress toward a goal is described, often in a metaphorical sense of spiritual or moral advancement.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐπεκτείνομαι as “to stretch out to” or “to reach forth.” It highlights the middle voice’s reflexive nature, suggesting an active engagement in the effort or process of reaching a goal.

Vines:
Vines Expository Dictionary categorizes ἐπεκτείνομαι under verbs of motion and effort, focusing on its use to describe a purposeful and forward-reaching effort. It is often found in exhortative passages encouraging progress or growth.

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LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a broad overview of ἐπεκτείνομαι, noting it as a verb meaning “to stretch out” or “to extend.” It is used in classical Greek literature to denote both literal physical extension and metaphorical striving toward an ideal or objective.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἐπεκτείνομαι as a verb meaning “to reach forth” or “to stretch oneself.” It is recognized for its use in encouraging readers to strive toward a future goal or ideal, often in a spiritual or moral context.

Related Scripture References

• Philippians 3:13: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth (ἐπεκτείνομαι) unto those things which are before.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπεκτείνομαι (G1901)

The Greek verb ἐπεκτείνομαι (epekteínomai) is a powerful term that captures the idea of stretching forward or straining toward a goal. Its primary meanings revolve around concepts of effort, progress, and striving, making it a significant word for understanding exhortations and motivational passages in the New Testament and classical Greek literature. In Biblical contexts, such as in Philippians 3:13, ἐπεκτείνομαι is used to encourage believers to focus on future growth and advancement, both spiritually and morally. The term’s use in classical literature also reflects themes of reaching beyond one’s current state or circumstances, providing valuable insight into the mindset of ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἐπεκτείνομαι is often used in motivational contexts to encourage progress and striving for a goal? In Philippians 3:13, the Apostle Paul uses it to describe his approach to spiritual growth, urging believers to forget what is behind and “stretch forward” toward what lies ahead, embodying a spirit of continuous pursuit and determination.