ἐπέκεινα (epekeina)
epekeina
beyond
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb epekeina means "beyond" or "on the other side." It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only once in Acts 7:43. In this context, Stephen quotes the Old Testament to describe the Israelites carrying the tabernacle "beyond" the Jordan into the promised land.
Its construction combines a preposition with a demonstrative pronoun, literally pointing to what lies on the far side of a boundary. This usage aligns with its appearance in the Septuagint, where it translates Hebrew terms for distant regions or lands beyond a specific limit. The word emphasizes physical distance and separation rather than abstract concepts.
While simple in meaning, its singular occurrence highlights a specific historical moment in early Christian preaching. It serves as a geographical marker, reminding listeners of the journey from slavery to freedom. The term anchors the narrative in real space, showing how early Christians viewed their heritage through literal movement across borders.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epekeina appears just once in the New Testament, found in Stephen’s speech in Acts 7:43. Here it describes a physical journey, marking the movement of God’s people from one place to another. It is not used for abstract ideas but for real distance and tangible boundaries.
When we read this, we see how God guides His people across borders. The promise of a new land was something they had to travel toward. This reminds us that faith often involves moving forward into unknown territory. God’s guidance leads us beyond what is familiar.
Even in difficult times, this word points to hope. It shows that God can bring His people through challenges to a place of rest. We trust that He knows the way ahead, even when the path seems long.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- beyond1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπέκεινα1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 7:43
You took up the tabernacle of Moloch, the star of your god Rephan, the figures which you made to worship, so I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’
This verse uses epekeina to describe the physical relocation of Israelites beyond Babylon, emphasizing literal geographical movement rather than spiritual metaphor.