### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιτυγχάνω (epitynchánō, `{{G2013}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon," "to," or "in addition," and the verb τυγχάνω (tynchánō, `{{G5177}}`), which fundamentally means "to happen," "to meet," or "to obtain." The combination yields a core meaning of "to happen upon," "to light upon," or "to meet with success." By implication, it signifies "to attain," "to obtain," "to achieve," or "to succeed in getting" something. Unlike a purely passive reception, ἐπιτυγχάνω often implies an active pursuit or seeking that culminates in a successful acquisition. It conveys the idea of reaching a desired goal or securing a sought-after object, often in the context of a divine provision or promise.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπιτυγχάνω appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in Pauline epistles and Hebrews, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* **[[Romans 11:7]]**: "What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking; but the elect obtained it, and the rest were hardened." Here, ἐπιτυγχάνω describes the successful attainment of righteousness or salvation by the elect, contrasting sharply with Israel's failure to "obtain" it through their own efforts. The object obtained is a divine gift, yet it requires a proper disposition (faith) to be received.
* **[[2 Timothy 2:10]]**: "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." Paul's suffering is presented as a means by which others might "obtain" salvation. This highlights salvation not merely as a state but as something to be actively acquired or secured, emphasizing its immense value and the cost involved in its provision.
* **[[Hebrews 4:16]]**: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." The ESV translates ἐπιτυγχάνω as "find grace," while other versions might say "obtain grace." This verse encourages believers to approach God's throne to successfully "obtain" or "lay hold of" mercy and grace. It underscores the accessibility of divine provision through confident prayer.
* **[[Hebrews 6:18]]**: "so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us." The phrase "might have strong encouragement" translates ἐπιτύχωμεν παρακλήσεως. This refers to the certainty of obtaining profound encouragement because of God's unchangeable promise and oath. It speaks to the assured reception of divine comfort and strength for those who take refuge in Him.
* **[[Hebrews 11:33]]**: "who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions." In this catalog of faith's triumphs, ἐπιτυγχάνω is used to describe how Old Testament saints "obtained promises." This demonstrates faith as the active means by which God's promises, though seemingly distant, are successfully actualized and possessed by believers.
Across these contexts, ἐπιτυγχάνω consistently denotes the successful acquisition of something valuable, often spiritual in nature, and frequently implies a prerequisite of faith or seeking.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root verb τυγχάνω (tynchánō, `{{G5177}}`) itself can mean "to obtain" or "to happen upon," but the addition of the prefix ἐπί (epi) in ἐπιτυγχάνω intensifies or specifies the direction of the action, suggesting a successful outcome or arrival at a specific point of attainment.
Other Greek words related to "obtaining" or "receiving" include:
* λαμβάνω (lambánō, `{{G2983}}`): "to take," "to receive." This word often denotes a more general act of reception, sometimes passive.
* κομίζω (komízō, `{{G2865}}`): "to receive," "to obtain," often implying receiving what is due or earned, or bringing something back.
* κληρονομέω (klēronoméō, `{{G2816}}`): "to inherit," "to obtain by inheritance." This word emphasizes the aspect of receiving an allotted portion or legacy.
While these words share semantic overlap, ἐπιτυγχάνω often carries the nuance of successful attainment after seeking or effort, especially in the context of spiritual blessings that are divinely offered but require human response. Concepts closely associated with ἐπιτυγχάνω include divine grace, mercy, salvation, promises, and the active role of faith in securing these spiritual realities.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐπιτυγχάνω revolves around the dynamic interplay between divine provision and human response in the acquisition of spiritual blessings.
1. **Divine Initiative and Human Responsibility**: The word highlights that while God is the ultimate source of salvation, grace, mercy, and promises, these are not automatically bestowed without human engagement. Believers are called to "obtain" them through faith (Hebrews 11:33) and confident approach (Hebrews 4:16). This underscores a vital aspect of covenant theology, where God's promises are sure, but their realization in human experience often depends on a faithful response.
2. **The Nature of Salvation**: In [[Romans 11:7]] and [[2 Timothy 2:10]], ἐπιτυγχάνω describes the "obtaining" of salvation. This portrays salvation as a tangible reality that is secured, not merely a theological concept. It emphasizes the definitive nature of salvation for the elect, distinguishing those who genuinely come to possess it from those who do not.
3. **Assurance and Hope**: In Hebrews, the word contributes to the theme of assurance. The ability to "obtain" strong encouragement ([[Hebrews 6:18]]) from God's unchangeable promises provides a firm foundation for Christian hope. Similarly, the confidence to "obtain" mercy and grace ([[Hebrews 4:16]]) encourages persistent access to God's throne, knowing that His provision is accessible and sure.
4. **Faith as the Means**: The consistent link between ἐπιτυγχάνω and faith (e.g., [[Hebrews 11:33]]) reinforces the New Testament's emphasis on faith as the primary means by which humanity lays hold of God's divine gifts. It is not by works or human merit, but by trusting in God's faithfulness, that believers "obtain" what He has promised.
### Summary
ἐπιτυγχάνω (epitynchánō, `{{G2013}}`) is a significant Greek verb that denotes the successful attainment or acquisition of something, often after seeking or effort. In the New Testament, it consistently refers to the securing of spiritual realities such as salvation, mercy, grace, promises, and encouragement. Its usage underscores the active nature of receiving divine blessings, implying that while God provides, humanity must respond in faith and seeking to "obtain" these gifts. The word highlights both God's faithful provision and the believer's responsibility to lay hold of what is offered, ultimately contributing to the theological themes of assurance, the nature of salvation, and the centrality of faith in the Christian life.
TRV