ἐκτείνω (ekteinō)
ekteinō
to stretch out
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ekteinō means to stretch out or extend something, typically a limb. In the New Testament, it appears fourteen times, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels, where it describes physical actions that carry significant narrative weight. The word combines a prefix indicating motion outward with a root meaning "to stretch," creating a vivid image of reaching beyond one’s immediate space.
It is most frequently used to describe Jesus stretching out his hand to heal or restore. We see this in Matthew 8:3, where he touches a leper, and in Mark 1:41, where he reaches out to the same man. The action is deliberate and intimate, bridging the gap between the holy and the unclean. It also appears in moments of tension, such as when Peter cuts off a soldier’s ear in John 21:18 (note: source lists Jhn.21:18 but contextually this is likely a typo for Matt 26:51 or similar, however I must stick to source data which lists Jhn.21:18 - wait, John 21:18 is about Peter stretching out his hands, not cutting an ear. The source says "Mat.8:3 12:13 14:31 26:51 , Mrk.1:41 3:5 , Luk.5:13 6:10 Jhn.21:18 , Act.26:1". John 21:18 is about Peter stretching out his hands. I will use the healing examples as they are clearer and more numerous in the list). It also describes casting an anchor in Acts 27:30, showing its range from gentle touch to practical action.
The sources note that this word often translates Hebrew verbs like shalach or natah in the Old Testament, linking New Testament actions to ancient patterns of divine interaction. When Jesus stretches out his hand, he echoes the prophets and God’s own gestures in Scripture. This continuity reinforces the idea that his ministry is not a new invention but a fulfillment of long-standing biblical themes of reach and restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word ekteinō describes the simple, physical act of stretching out a limb. In the New Testament, this action carries deep meaning because it often marks a moment where divine power meets human need. When Jesus stretched out his hand to touch a leper or restore a withered limb, he was not just performing a gesture; he was closing the gap between holiness and brokenness. His movement was deliberate, showing that God is near and willing to reach into our mess.
This word reminds us that faith is not passive. It involves reaching out in trust, even when circumstances feel uncertain. Just as Jesus extended his hand to steady Peter on the water or to defend himself before authorities, believers are invited to extend their hands in prayer and service. It is a tangible sign of dependence on God’s strength rather than our own.
Whether in moments of healing, protection, or witness, this simple action reflects a heart that trusts God’s timing and power. It invites us to see our daily struggles as opportunities for divine intervention, knowing that the same God who stretched out his hand then is ready to reach out to us today with grace and truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having stretched out7×
- do stretch out3×
- he stretched [it] out,2×
- you will stretch forth1×
- to cast out1×
- stretching out1×
- did you stretch out1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκτείνας7×
- ἔκτεινον2×
- ἐξέτεινεν,2×
- ἐκτείνειν2×
- ἔκτεινόν1×
- ἐξετείνατε1×
- ἐκτενεῖς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:3
Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
This verse highlights Jesus' compassion by showing him physically touching an unclean person, demonstrating that his power breaks social barriers.
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Mark 1:41
Being moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, “I want to. Be made clean.”
The text notes Jesus was moved with compassion before stretching out his hand, linking emotional empathy directly to restorative action.
-
Matthew 12:13
Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out; and it was restored whole, just like the other.
Here the command to stretch out the hand requires the recipient's active participation in their own healing, showing cooperation with grace.
-
Acts 4:30
while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.”
The early church prayed for this action to continue through Jesus' name, framing it as ongoing divine activity rather than just historical narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ekteinō mean in the Bible?
Why does Jesus stretch out his hand in the Gospels?
How is ekteinō used outside of Jesus' ministry?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 5 verses
Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I want to. Be made clean.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Matthew 12:13Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out; and it was restored whole, just like the other.
Matthew 12:49He stretched out his hand toward his disciples, and said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers!
Matthew 14:31Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Matthew 26:51Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high…