from ἐπί and (the accusative case plural neuter of) ἐκεῖνος; upon those parts of, i.e. on the further side of:--beyond.
Transliteration:epékeina
Pronunciation:ep-ek'-i-nah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
ἐπέκεινα (epékeina) is an adverb derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi) and the demonstrative pronoun ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos) in its neuter plural accusative form. Its core meaning conveys a sense of spatial transcendence or extension "beyond" a certain point or boundary. It signifies "on the other side," "further on," or "to the extent of." The "those parts of" in its base definition refers to the demonstrative nature, indicating a point or region that is distinct from the current position. Its usage is primarily locative, denoting a position or movement that extends past a designated marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἐπέκεινα (epékeina) appears only once in the New Testament, found in Stephen's sermon before the Sanhedrin:
* **Acts 7:43**: "You took up the tent of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; and I will remove you **beyond** Babylon." [[Acts 7:43]]
In this sole occurrence, Stephen quotes from Amos 5:25-27 (LXX), reminding his audience of God's judgment against Israel's idolatry and the resultant exile. The phrase "beyond Babylon" (ἐπέκεινα Βαβυλῶνος) emphasizes the severity and distant nature of the impending exile. It implies a forced displacement to a region far removed from their homeland, even further than the well-known Babylonian captivity. This "beyond" signifies a complete and utter removal, a divine act of scattering that transcends even the historical experience of exile to Babylon. It underscores the absolute nature of God's judgment, pushing the people into a state of extreme displacement. The geographical "beyond" serves as a metaphor for a profound spiritual and national alienation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἐπί (epi):** The preposition from which ἐπέκεινα is partly derived. ἐπί itself has a wide range of meanings including "on," "upon," "over," "at," "to," often denoting position or direction. The "beyond" aspect of ἐπέκεινα builds on ἐπί by adding the demonstrative "those" (ἐκεῖνος).
* **ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos):** The demonstrative pronoun meaning "that" or "those." It points to something distant or distinct from the speaker. In ἐπέκεινα, it contributes the sense of "those parts" or "that region" which is being surpassed.
* **πέραν (peran `{{G4008}}`):** Another Greek word meaning "beyond" or "across." While similar in its spatial sense, πέραν often denotes crossing a boundary (e.g., a river or sea), whereas ἐπέκεινα emphasizes a position *further* than a specified point, a more extensive "beyond." For example, Jesus crossing "to the other side" of the Sea of Galilee is πέραν [[Matthew 8:18]].
* **ἔξω (exō `{{G1854}}`):** Meaning "out," "outside," or "without." While it also denotes a position external to something, ἔξω focuses on being outside a boundary, whereas ἐπέκεινα implies moving *past* or *beyond* that boundary to a more distant point.
* **Exile and Dispersion:** The concept of being cast "beyond" a familiar land is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative of judgment and dispersion, seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:64]], [[Jeremiah 29:18]]). ἐπέκεινα in [[Acts 7:43]] powerfully encapsulates this theological reality.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐπέκεινα in the New Testament, specifically in Stephen's speech, imbues it with profound theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God.
* **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** The phrase "I will remove you beyond Babylon" (μετοικιῶ ὑμᾶς ἐπέκεινα Βαβυλῶνος) highlights God's absolute sovereignty over human history and destiny. It is not merely a geographical relocation but a divine act of judgment, demonstrating God's power to displace and scatter a people who have forsaken His covenant.
* **The Extent of Consequences:** The "beyond" signifies the extreme and comprehensive nature of God's judgment. It implies a punishment that exceeds conventional expectations, pushing the people into a state of profound alienation and loss, even further than the well-known Babylonian exile. This suggests that persistent rebellion incurs increasingly severe consequences.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment and Warning:** Stephen's citation of Amos connects the New Testament audience to the long history of God's dealings with Israel. It serves as a warning that the patterns of disobedience and judgment continue, even for those who claim religious heritage but reject God's true messengers (like Jesus and Stephen himself). The "beyond" is a reminder that God's justice can extend to unforeseen and drastic measures.
* **Spiritual Displacement:** Beyond the literal geographical displacement, ἐπέκεινα can be understood metaphorically as a spiritual state of being cast out from God's presence and favor. It speaks to the ultimate consequence of spiritual rebellion: a profound separation from the source of life and blessing.
### Summary
ἐπέκεινα (epékeina) is a Greek adverb meaning "beyond" or "on the further side of," denoting spatial extension past a given point. Its singular occurrence in the New Testament, within Stephen's sermon in [[Acts 7:43]], carries significant theological import. In the context of God's judgment against Israel's idolatry, "I will remove you beyond Babylon" underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, the severe and far-reaching consequences of disobedience, and the prophetic warning that divine justice can lead to extreme displacement. The word powerfully encapsulates the concept of a profound, divinely ordained scattering, serving as a stark reminder of the ultimate spiritual and physical alienation that results from forsaking the covenant. It signifies not merely a relocation, but a state of being cast out to an unforeseen and distant extent, reflecting the comprehensive nature of God's righteous judgment.
TRV