ὑπερέκεινα (huperekeina)
huperekeina
beyond
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb huperekeina translates simply to "beyond," but with a specific spatial emphasis. It describes regions or places that lie outside the boundaries of one’s current residence or known territory. The word combines a prefix meaning "over" or "above" with a term for what is distant, creating a sense of reaching past familiar limits into unknown or foreign lands.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 10:16. Paul uses it to describe his ambition to preach the gospel not just within established churches, but in areas further out, "beyond" them. Here, the word underscores a missionary strategy focused on expansion into new territories rather than reworking already founded communities.
Because it is so rare, the word carries a distinct flavor of frontier movement. It is not merely "far away," but specifically "on the other side" of a boundary. Translators typically render it as "beyond" or "in regions beyond," capturing the idea of crossing a threshold into uncharted ground for the sake of spreading the message.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word huperekeina means "beyond," specifically pointing to places outside your current boundaries or known territory. In 2 Corinthians 10:16, Paul uses it to describe his desire to preach the gospel in regions further out, rather than staying within established areas where others have already worked. This reflects a spirit of reaching into new frontiers and uncharted ground for the sake of sharing the message.
For your faith, this word invites you to consider where God might be calling you to go beyond your comfort zone. It is not about boasting in what others have done, but about embracing the opportunity to bring hope to those who have not yet heard. This perspective encourages a heart that looks past familiar limits to serve and witness in new ways.
May this understanding inspire you to step into the "beyond" with courage and grace, trusting that God is present in every new place He leads you.
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.
- ὑπερέκεινα1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 10:16
so as to preach the Good News even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done.
Paul uses this word to define his missionary ambition of reaching regions outside established churches rather than building on another's foundation.