from ἐκ and teino (to stretch); to extend:--cast, put forth, stretch forth (out).
Transliteration:ekteínō
Pronunciation:ek-ti'-no
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1614 (ekteínō) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb τείνω (teinō), meaning "to stretch" or "to extend." Its core meaning therefore is "to stretch out," "to extend," or "to reach forth." The prefix ἐκ emphasizes the outward direction of the action, indicating a movement away from a starting point or a projection into space.
The semantic range of ekteínō in the New Testament is primarily literal, referring to a physical action. It is almost exclusively used to describe the stretching out of a hand or arm. While the base verb τείνω can have broader applications (e.g., to stretch a rope, to exert effort), ekteínω in its biblical occurrences maintains a focused meaning related to bodily extension. This deliberate, purposeful extension often implies an action directed towards someone or something, signaling intent, authority, or compassion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G1614 (ekteínō) appears several times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts, consistently describing the physical act of stretching out a hand or arm.
* **Healing Miracles:** The most prominent use of ekteínō is in the context of Jesus' healing ministry.
* In the healing of the leper, Jesus "stretched forth his hand, and touched him" [[Matthew 8:3]] (cf. [[Mark 1:41]]). This action is profoundly significant, as touching a leper was forbidden by Mosaic Law and would render one ceremonially unclean. Jesus' outstretched hand defies social and religious barriers, demonstrating His divine authority and compassionate will to cleanse and restore.
* Similarly, when healing the man with the withered hand, Jesus commands him to "stretch forth thine hand," and upon doing so, it was restored [[Matthew 12:13]] (cf. [[Luke 6:10]]). Here, Jesus' command is followed by the man's obedient action, resulting in miraculous healing. Jesus Himself also "stretched forth his hand" in this narrative, indicating His active role in the miracle.
* **Identification and Teaching:** Jesus uses the gesture of stretching out His hand to identify His true family. When told that His mother and brothers were outside, He "stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!" [[Matthew 12:49]]. This gesture accompanies a radical redefinition of family, emphasizing spiritual kinship over biological ties for those who do the will of God.
* **Human Actions and Intent:** ekteínō is also used to describe human actions, reflecting various intents:
* **Aggression:** During Jesus' arrest, a disciple (Peter, per [[John 18:10]]) "stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's" [[Matthew 26:51]]. This illustrates a decisive, albeit misguided, act of defense.
* **Defense/Appeal:** Paul, defending himself before King Agrippa, "stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself" [[Acts 26:1]]. This is a common oratorical gesture, signifying a readiness to speak, to appeal, or to command attention.
* **Practical Action:** In the account of the shipwreck, the sailors "had let down the skiff into the sea" [[Acts 27:30]]. While translated "let down," the underlying meaning is to "stretch out" or "extend" the skiff away from the ship, often by means of ropes or cables. This highlights a deliberate, purposeful action for survival.
Across its occurrences, ekteínō consistently denotes a purposeful, decisive action, often with significant implications for the narrative's theological or practical context.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for G1614 (ekteínō) is to its root verb τείνω (teinō), which means "to stretch" or "to extend." The prefix ἐκ (ek) adds the directional sense of "outward" or "forth."
While there are no direct synonyms that perfectly capture the nuance of ekteínō, related concepts and actions include:
* **ἅπτομαι (haptomai - to touch, grasp):** Often the *consequence* or *purpose* of stretching out the hand, particularly in healing narratives (e.g., Jesus stretches out His hand *and touches* the leper).
* **λαμβάνω (lambanō - to take, receive):** An action that might follow or be enabled by the stretching out of a hand.
* **δίδωμι (didōmi - to give):** The act of giving often involves extending the hand to present something.
Thematically, ekteínō is closely associated with:
* **Divine Power and Authority:** Especially in Jesus' miracles, where the outstretched hand is an instrument of God's power.
* **Compassion and Accessibility:** Jesus' willingness to stretch out His hand, even to the outcast, demonstrates His profound empathy and desire for personal engagement.
* **Human Agency and Intent:** When used of human characters, it underscores deliberate action, whether for good or ill.
* **Physical Manifestation of Will:** The verb highlights how internal will (divine or human) is outwardly expressed through physical gesture.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1614 (ekteínō) is profound, particularly in its application to Jesus' actions.
* **Incarnational Touch and Divine Compassion:** The repeated image of Jesus "stretching forth his hand" to heal [[Matthew 8:3]], [[Mark 1:41]], [[Luke 6:10]] is a powerful demonstration of the Incarnation. It signifies God's willingness to personally engage with human suffering, not from a distance, but through tangible, physical contact. For the leper, this act was not just a means of healing but also a profound act of acceptance, breaking through the social and religious ostracization that defined his existence. The outstretched hand is thus a conduit of divine grace, mercy, and restorative power.
* **Authority and Kingdom Redefinition:** Jesus stretching out His hand towards His disciples [[Matthew 12:49]] to declare them His true family reveals His authority to redefine relationships based on spiritual obedience rather than biological lineage. This gesture symbolizes the inauguration of a new spiritual family, the community of those who do the will of God, forming the nucleus of His kingdom.
* **Active Engagement of God:** The consistent use of ekteínō for Jesus' actions underscores that God's intervention in the world is not passive or indirect, but active, intentional, and often personal. The outstretched hand is a symbol of God's active reach towards humanity, offering healing, inclusion, and transformation.
* **Human Response and Agency:** While primarily used of Jesus, its application to human characters (Paul, the disciple, the sailors) highlights human agency and the intentionality behind actions. It reminds us that human will, whether in defense, aggression, or practical necessity, is expressed through deliberate physical acts.
### Summary
ἐκτείνω (ekteínō) is a Greek verb meaning "to stretch out" or "to extend," formed from ἐκ (out) and τείνω (to stretch). In the New Testament, it consistently describes a deliberate, purposeful extension, most notably of the hand or arm.
Its primary biblical significance lies in depicting Jesus' divine power and profound compassion, as He stretches forth His hand to heal the sick and cleanse the unclean [[Matthew 8:3]], [[Matthew 12:13]]. This act symbolizes God's personal, tangible engagement with human suffering and His authoritative will to restore. Furthermore, it conveys Jesus' authority and identification with those who do the will of God, redefining spiritual kinship [[Matthew 12:49]]. When applied to human actions, ekteínω signifies intentional agency, whether in defense [[Acts 26:1]], aggression [[Matthew 26:51]], or practical tasks [[Acts 27:30]]. Ultimately, the act of "stretching out" encapsulates a direct, personal, and powerful engagement, embodying both divine grace and human resolve within the biblical narrative.
TRV