ἐπεκτείνομαι (epekteinomai)
epekteinomai
to reach out to
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epekteinomai describes the physical act of stretching out or reaching forward, often with an effort to extend one’s reach toward a goal. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Philippians 3:13, where Paul uses it to describe his spiritual pursuit. He speaks of straining forward toward what lies ahead, rather than resting on past achievements.
This word combines elements meaning "upon" and "to stretch," suggesting a dynamic, active effort. It is not passive waiting but an intentional leaning into the future. Paul’s use here highlights a life of continuous growth, where believers are called to keep moving forward in their faith journey, always reaching for what God has set before them.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epekteinomai captures the physical sensation of stretching out your hand to grasp something just beyond your reach. In Philippians 3:13, Paul uses this image to describe the Christian life as an active pursuit. He does not suggest we rest on past successes or failings, but rather that we lean forward with intention toward what God has placed ahead.
This offers a gentle reminder that spiritual growth is rarely static. It involves a conscious effort to release what holds us back and extend ourselves toward the future Christ invites us into. When you feel stuck or discouraged, remember that faith is not about having arrived, but about keeping your eyes fixed on the goal and taking the next step forward.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- reaching forward,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπεκτεινόμενος,1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 3:13
Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind and stretching forward to the things which are before,
This verse uses epekteinomai to describe Paul's active straining toward future spiritual maturity, emphasizing forward motion over past accomplishments.