Brief Overview of ἐφικνέομαι (Strong’s G2185: ephikneomai)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the nuanced meanings within the original texts. The Greek word ἐφικνέομαι (ephikneomai, Strong’s G2185) is particularly significant because it offers insight into actions and movements, both literal and metaphorical, within ancient Greek culture and the New Testament writings. This term not only deepens our understanding of the text but also provides a glimpse into the mindset of the early Greek-speaking Christians and their perception of progress and reaching a goal.

Key Information

The Greek Word: ἐφικνέομαι (ephikneomai) [e-fee-KNEH-o-mai]
Etymology: Derived from the combination of the prefix ἐπί (epi-), meaning “upon” or “towards,” and the verb κνέομαι (kneo), which is related to movement or reaching. This etymology reflects the idea of moving toward or reaching something.
Part of Speech: Verb, middle voice, typically used in a deponent form, meaning it has a passive form but an active meaning.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

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To reach: Refers to physically or metaphorically reaching a place, goal, or state.
To arrive at: Denotes arriving at a destination or achieving a particular outcome.
To attain: Conveys the idea of obtaining or accomplishing something after effort or progression.

Similar Words: φθάνω (phthano) [fth-AH-no], meaning “to come before” or “to reach,” is related to ἐφικνέομαι but often carries the connotation of reaching or arriving first. In contrast, ἐφικνέομαι emphasizes the action of reaching or attaining without the competitive element.

Further Insights: ἐφικνέομαι is a deponent verb, meaning that it takes a middle or passive form but is translated actively. This verb does not have a straightforward declension table since it does not follow the typical noun or adjective inflection patterns. However, its conjugation reflects standard middle voice forms:

Tense	First Person Singular	Second Person Singular	Third Person Singular	First Person Plural	Second Person Plural	Third Person Plural
Present	ἐφικνέομαι	ἐφικνέῃ	ἐφικνέεται	ἐφικνέομεθα	ἐφικνέεσθε	ἐφικνέονται
Imperfect	ἐφικνούμην	ἐφικνοῦ	ἐφικνεῖτο	ἐφικνούμεθα	ἐφικνεῖσθε	ἐφικνοῦντο
Future	ἐφίξομαι	ἐφίξῃ	ἐφίξεται	ἐφίξόμεθα	ἐφίξεσθε	ἐφίξονται

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἐφικνέομαι as “to reach” or “to attain.” It highlights both literal and figurative uses, including references to arriving at a physical location or achieving a metaphorical state or condition.
Thayer’s: Notes that ἐφικνέομαι means “to reach” or “arrive at,” focusing on the action’s goal-oriented aspect, whether it’s a physical journey or a spiritual attainment.
Vine’s: Discusses ἐφικνέομαι in the context of striving or progressing towards a goal, often implying a significant effort or movement involved in the process.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides a broader range of usage, defining it as “to reach” or “to aim at,” and notes its use in classical Greek literature to denote both literal reaching (as in reaching a destination) and metaphorical attainment (such as achieving a philosophical state).
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐφικνέομαι simply as “to reach,” emphasizing the straightforward action of attaining or arriving at a specific point or goal.

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Related Scripture References

Acts 26:7 – “The promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain [ἐφικνέομαι], as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews.”

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text
Herodotus	“Histories”	“They believed that they would be able to ephikneomai (ἐφικνέομαι) their homeland after years of exile.”
Plato	“Republic”	“One must ephikneomai (ἐφικνέομαι) the highest form of knowledge through philosophical study.”
Aristotle	“Nicomachean Ethics”	“Happiness is something one must ephikneomai (ἐφικνέομαι) through virtue and moral excellence.”
Septuagint	“Psalm 73:19”	“How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors (ἐφικνέομαι)!”
Septuagint	“Jeremiah 48:41”	“Kerioth is taken, and the strongholds are surprised (ἐφικνέομαι).”
Septuagint	“Wisdom of Solomon 4:11”	“He was taken away lest wickedness should change his understanding (ἐφικνέομαι).”

Summary of ἐφικνέομαι (G2185: ephikneomai)

The Greek word ἐφικνέομαι (ephikneomai, Strong’s G2185) captures the concept of “reaching” or “attaining,” both in a literal and metaphorical sense. With its roots in the idea of moving towards a goal, it is used in the New Testament to describe the earnest pursuit of spiritual promises. This word’s use in classical literature similarly emphasizes the action of reaching a destination or a state of enlightenment, highlighting its relevance in philosophical and theological contexts. Understanding ἐφικνέομαι deepens one’s comprehension of the effort, movement, and aspiration embedded in biblical texts and ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the term ἐφικνέομαι not only signifies physical movement but is also used in ancient Greek philosophy to describe the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge? This concept of “reaching” reflects both literal and spiritual journeys, reminding readers of the continuous effort required to achieve meaningful growth!