Gospel Expansion: ὑπερέκεινα (Strong’s G5238: hyperekeina) Reaches Beyond Boundaries

Strong’s G5238: A compound adverb combining ὑπέρ (beyond) with ἐκεῖνα (those parts), meaning “the parts beyond, regions beyond.” Used in Paul’s missionary vision to describe expanding gospel proclamation into unreached territories beyond current boundaries.

U – Unveiling the Word

The adverb ὑπερέκεινα expresses the concept of reaching into territories beyond current boundaries. As a compound word combining “beyond” (ὑπέρ) with “those parts” (ἐκεῖνα), it describes movement into regions that lie further out. In the New Testament, Paul uses this term specifically when discussing his missionary vision to take the gospel into unreached areas. The early church understood this word as expressing the imperative of expanding gospel proclamation beyond existing boundaries. Today, this word continues to challenge believers to look beyond their current sphere of influence to reach those who haven’t heard the gospel.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὑπερέκεινα, hyperekeina, /hy.per.e.kei.na/
• Detailed pronunciation: hü-per-e-kī’-nä (where ü as in German über, ā as in father)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• Prefix: ὑπέρ (hyper) meaning “beyond”
• Root: ἐκεῖνα (ekeina) meaning “those parts”
• Combined meaning: “regions beyond those parts”

D – Defining Meanings

• The parts beyond
• Regions further out
• Areas beyond current boundaries
• Territories further away

For compound words: The prefix ὑπέρ adds intensity to ἐκεῖνα’s reference to distant parts, creating the concept of regions even further beyond.

Translation Options:

• “regions beyond” – emphasizes geographical extension
• “territories further out” – captures spatial dimension
• “parts yet unreached” – highlights missionary context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μακράν (makran) /ma.kran/ – far off – See G3112
• πόρρω (porrō) /por.rō/ – far away – See G4206
• ἐπέκεινα (epekeina) /e.pe.kei.na/ – beyond – See G1900

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb:

• Does not change form
• Modifies verbs of movement or proclamation
• Takes genitive case with object
• Indicates spatial relationship

Usage patterns:

• Often appears with prepositions
• Modifies verbs of movement
• Indicates direction or extent

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide valuable insight into ὑπερέκεινα’s meaning and usage. BDAG emphasizes its use in missionary contexts for unreached territories. Thayer’s notes its spatial significance in describing regions beyond current boundaries. LSJ traces its usage in describing distant territories or frontiers. Vine’s highlights its unique appearance in Paul’s missionary strategy. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature of the word and its implications of going beyond current limits. Moulton and Milligan document its use in describing territories beyond established boundaries.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 10:16: “So as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond [ὑπερέκεινα] you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of ὑπερέκεινα in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ὑπερέκεινα powerfully expresses the missionary heart of the gospel. Paul uses it to describe his vision of taking the good news to regions yet unreached, demonstrating that the message of King Jesus is meant to expand continually outward. This word proclaims that the gospel knows no boundaries and that our mission extends beyond our comfortable spheres into new territories where the Messiah is not yet known.

D – Did You Know?

• ὑπερέκεινα appears only once in the New Testament
• It’s used specifically in Paul’s missionary strategy
• The word influenced early church understanding of mission expansion

Strong’s G5238: A compound adverb combining ὑπέρ (beyond) with ἐκεῖνα (those parts), meaning “the parts beyond, regions beyond.” Used in Paul’s missionary vision to describe expanding gospel proclamation into unreached territories beyond current boundaries.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: missions, expansion, frontier, unreached regions, Paul’s ministry, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, evangelism, gospel advancement, missionary strategy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​