ἐφικνέομαι (ephikneomai)
ephikneomai
to reach
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ephikneomai describes the act of arriving at a specific destination or reaching a particular limit. It conveys the idea of movement that culminates in contact with a place or boundary, rather than just general travel. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within the second letter to the Corinthians, where it helps define the scope of apostolic ministry.
Paul uses this term to explain how far his missionary work extends. He states that he does not boast beyond limits but stays within the boundaries God assigned, specifically noting that he has "reached as far as" Corinth (2 Corinthians 10:13-14). Here, the word marks a clear geographical and ministerial frontier, emphasizing that his authority is defined by where God has led him to arrive.
This usage highlights a sense of purposeful arrival. It is not merely about being present, but about fulfilling a journey to a set point. The sources note its connection to reaching limits or boundaries, which fits Paul’s argument that he respects the work of others and does not overstep the territory assigned by God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ephikneomai carries the quiet weight of arrival. It is not about wandering aimlessly, but moving with purpose toward a specific destination set by God. In Paul’s letters, this term marks the boundaries of his ministry, reminding us that our work is defined by where God leads us, not by how far we might wish to go. This brings comfort: you do not need to control every outcome or stretch yourself beyond what is assigned.
When we feel overwhelmed by the size of tasks before us, this word invites rest. It assures us that faithfulness is found in staying within the limits God has drawn for our lives. Like Paul reaching Corinth, your presence in a specific place or role is enough. You are not called to conquer every territory, but to arrive where He has placed you, trusting that His plan unfolds through your steady steps.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to reach1×
- reaching1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐφικέσθαι1×
- ἐφικνούμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 10:13
But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you.
Paul uses this word to define the geographical boundary of his ministry, showing he respects the limits God set rather than overstepping into others' work.
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II Corinthians 10:14
For we don’t stretch ourselves too much, as though we didn’t reach to you. For we came even as far as to you with the Good News of Christ,
The term confirms that Paul’s authority is grounded in having actually arrived where God sent him, validating his message to the Corinthian believers.