ἀφικνέομαι (aphikneomai)
aphikneomai
to reach
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aphikneomai describes the act of arriving at a destination or reaching a specific point. It is the perfective form of hikanō, emphasizing the completion of the journey rather than just the movement toward it. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Romans 16:19.
Here, Paul writes that the obedience of the Roman believers has become known to all. The text uses aphikneomai to say their obedience has "reached" or arrived at the ears of everyone. This usage highlights a sense of culmination; the quality of their faith is not hidden but has fully come into view for the wider church.
Its root suggests a forceful or definite arrival, often used in classical Greek for reaching a goal. By choosing this word over simpler terms for "coming," Paul underscores the tangible impact and widespread recognition of the believers' faithful conduct.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word aphikneomai carries a sense of finality and completion. It does not describe the wandering or the struggle of the journey, but the moment of arrival at the intended destination. In Romans 16:19, Paul uses this term to say that the obedience of the Roman believers has reached its mark. Their faithful conduct did not stay hidden in private; it arrived fully before the eyes of the wider church.
This image offers comfort for your own walk with God. Your efforts to live faithfully are not lost or unnoticed. Even when you feel unseen, your obedience reaches the ears of others and, more importantly, stands complete before God. The focus here is on the result: a life that has arrived at the goal of good conduct.
Paul rejoices in this visible impact. He wants the believers to be wise in good things while remaining innocent of evil. This balance shows that reaching your destination does not mean becoming perfect, but rather moving steadily toward Christ-like character. Your daily steps matter because they accumulate into a testimony that can inspire others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- has reached;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀφίκετο·1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 16:19
For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil.
Paul uses this specific verb to emphasize that the believers' obedience has fully arrived and become known, highlighting the tangible impact of their faith rather than just their ongoing efforts.