ἐκπετάζω (ekpetazō)
ekpetazō
to extend
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekpetannō describes the physical act of spreading something out or stretching it forth. Its core meaning involves extending an object to cover a larger area, much like unfurling a sail on a ship to catch the wind. The word combines a prefix indicating "out" with a root related to spreading or stretching, creating a vivid image of expansion.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 10:21. Paul uses it to describe God’s attitude toward a disobedient people, stating that God stretches out His hands all day long. The imagery suggests an open, inviting posture rather than a closed or withdrawn one. It conveys a sense of persistent availability and reach.
The word’s usage in the Septuagint often translates Hebrew terms for spreading out, reinforcing its concrete, physical nature. In Romans, this physical action becomes a metaphor for divine grace. God is not distant or hidden; He actively extends Himself toward humanity, offering connection despite human resistance. The verb captures both the effort and the openness of that divine gesture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ekpetazō describes the physical act of stretching something out, like unfurling a sail to catch the wind. In Romans 10:21, Paul uses this vivid image to show God reaching toward people who often turn away. It is not a distant or passive gesture but an active, persistent offering of connection.
When you feel rejected or misunderstood, remember that God’s posture is one of open invitation. He stretches out His hands all day long, showing a readiness to receive you despite your flaws or resistance. This image reminds us that grace is always available, waiting for us to turn toward it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I have stretched out1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξεπέτασα1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 10:21
But about Israel he says, “All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
This verse uses the word to depict God’s persistent, open-handed invitation to a disobedient people, emphasizing His enduring grace rather than rejection.