### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐκπετάννυμι (ekpetánnymi, `{{G1600}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek, "out of," "from") and a form of the verb πέτομαι (petomai, "to fly"). Its literal meaning, therefore, is "to fly out" or "to spread wings and fly forth." However, in its metaphorical and primary attested usage in the Septuagint (LXX) and New Testament, it denotes "to stretch out," "to extend," or "to spread forth," particularly with reference to hands. The underlying imagery of "flying out" imbues the act of stretching with a sense of broadness, unhindered extension, or a sweeping gesture. It implies an open and far-reaching action, often conveying an earnest invitation or a posture of welcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐκπετάννυμι (ekpetánnymi, `{{G1600}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans:
* [[Romans 10:21]]: "But to Israel he says, 'All day long I have stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.'"
This verse is a direct quotation from [[Isaiah 65:2]] in the Septuagint (LXX), where the same Greek phrase "ἐξεπέτασα τὰς χεῖράς μου" ("I stretched out my hands") is used. In this context, the stretching out of hands signifies God's persistent, patient, and earnest appeal to Israel. It conveys a divine posture of welcome, invitation, and longing for reconciliation, despite Israel's consistent "disobedient and contrary" (ἀπειθοῦντα καὶ ἀντιλέγοντα) response. The phrase "all day long" (ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν) emphasizes the continuous and enduring nature of God's gracious outreach.
Other occurrences in the Septuagint further illuminate the semantic range:
* In [[Proverbs 1:24]] (LXX), Wisdom declares, "I stretched out my hands, and you paid no attention," mirroring the divine lament of Isaiah and Romans, depicting an unheeded call.
* [[Lamentations 1:17]] (LXX) uses the verb to describe Zion stretching out her hands in distress, seeking comfort, illustrating the act of extending hands in supplication or vulnerability.
Across these contexts, the act of stretching out hands with ἐκπετάννυμι consistently conveys a profound gesture of earnest appeal, whether from God to humanity, Wisdom to the simple, or a suffering people to an external source of help.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core components of ἐκπετάννυμι are ἐκ (ek, `{{G1537}}`), the preposition denoting "out from," and πέτομαι (petomai, `{{G4072}}`), "to fly." The ek prefix emphasizes an outward direction and completion of the action, while the "flying" root suggests an expansive, unhindered movement.
* **τείνω (teinō, `{{G5106}}`):** A more general verb meaning "to stretch" or "to extend."
* **ἐκτείνω (ekteinō, `{{G1614}}`):** This is a very close semantic relative, also meaning "to stretch out" or "to extend." It is frequently used in the New Testament for stretching out hands in healing (e.g., [[Matthew 12:13]]), blessing, or reaching for something. While ἐκτείνω conveys the act of stretching, ἐκπετάννυμι (with its root in "flying") might imply a more sweeping, open, or broadly welcoming gesture, perhaps even a sense of vulnerability in the full extension.
* **Divine Patience and Longsuffering:** The concept conveyed by ἐκπετάννυμι in [[Romans 10:21]] is deeply tied to God's μακροθυμία (makrothymia, `{{G3115}}`), or longsuffering, and His φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpia, `{{G5363}}`), His love for humanity. The outstretched hands are a visual manifestation of His enduring patience and desire for all to come to repentance.
### Theological Significance
The singular New Testament occurrence of ἐκπετάννυμι in [[Romans 10:21]] carries immense theological weight. It vividly portrays a fundamental aspect of God's character: His persistent, unwavering, and earnest invitation to humanity.
1. **God's Active Pursuit:** The imagery of "stretched out hands" depicts God not as a distant or aloof deity, but as one who actively reaches out, pleads, and welcomes. It underscores His initiative in salvation history, constantly drawing people to Himself despite their resistance.
2. **Divine Patience and Grace:** The phrase "all day long" highlights God's inexhaustible patience and grace. Even when met with disobedience and opposition, His hands remain outstretched, signifying an enduring offer of reconciliation and a deep desire for relationship. This stands in stark contrast to human impatience and quick judgment.
3. **The Tragedy of Rejection:** The verse simultaneously emphasizes the tragic reality of human stubbornness and rebellion. God's open arms are met by a "disobedient and contrary people," underscoring the freedom of human will and the sorrow of rejecting divine love.
4. **Echoes of the Incarnation and Cross:** While not explicitly stated, the imagery of outstretched hands can subtly prefigure the ultimate act of divine invitation and sacrifice: Christ's arms outstretched on the cross. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's persistent love, reaching out to a rebellious world, offering reconciliation at immense cost. The ekpetánnymi of God's hands in Isaiah and Romans finds its profound fulfillment in the crucified Christ.
### Summary
ἐκπετάννυμι (ekpetánnymi, `{{G1600}}`) literally means "to fly out" but is used to signify "to stretch out" or "to extend," particularly hands, with a connotation of broadness and unhindered reach. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Romans 10:21]], quoting [[Isaiah 65:2]], powerfully illustrates God's persistent and patient invitation to Israel: "All day long I have stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people." Theologically, this word underscores God's active, gracious pursuit of humanity, His enduring patience despite human rebellion, and His profound desire for reconciliation. The imagery of outstretched hands serves as a poignant reminder of divine welcome and the tragic reality of its rejection, ultimately pointing to the expansive love revealed in Christ.
TRV