from ἐπί and a cognate of ἥκω; to arrive upon, i.e. extend to:--reach.
Transliteration:ephiknéomai
Pronunciation:ef-ik-neh'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ephiknéomai (`{{G2185}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition epi (ἐπί), meaning "upon," "to," or "in addition to," and a cognate of hikneomai (ἱκνέομαι), which means "to come," "to arrive," or "to reach." The combination suggests a directed movement that culminates in arrival or extension to a specific point or destination. Its core meaning is "to arrive upon," "to extend to," or "to reach." This implies not merely a general coming, but a purposeful and often successful attainment of a specific target or limit. The nuance of epi suggests an action that lands *upon* something, indicating a definite completion or establishment of presence at that point.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ephiknéomai (`{{G2185}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[2 Corinthians 10:14]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is defending the legitimacy and scope of his apostolic ministry in Corinth against those who challenged his authority and accused him of overstepping his bounds. He writes, "For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach to you; for we did reach to you with the gospel of Christ."
Here, ephiknéomai (ἐφικνέομαι) is used to affirm that Paul's ministry, specifically the preaching of the gospel, *did* indeed "reach" the Corinthian church. This signifies that Corinth was within the legitimate sphere of Paul's apostolic labor. The word emphasizes the successful and effective extension of the gospel message and Paul's personal ministry presence to that community. It underscores that the Corinthians were not merely an accidental recipient of the gospel, but a people to whom the divine message, through Paul, purposefully and legitimately arrived. The use of the word serves to validate his claim to spiritual authority over them, grounded in the fact that he was the one who initially brought them the life-transforming message of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap with ephiknéomai (`{{G2185}}`) in conveying the idea of reaching or arriving:
* hikneomai (ἱκνέομαι): The root verb from which ephiknéomai is derived, meaning "to come," "to arrive." The addition of epi in ephiknéomai specifies the direction or intensity of the arrival.
* phthanō (φθάνω, `{{G5348}}`): Often translated as "to arrive," "to come upon," "to reach." While similar, phthanō can sometimes imply coming unexpectedly or before others, whereas ephiknéomai in its single New Testament use emphasizes a legitimate and purposeful extension.
* katantaō (καταντάω, `{{G2658}}`): Meaning "to come to," "to arrive at," "to attain." This verb frequently denotes reaching a destination, whether physical or spiritual (e.g., [[Acts 27:12]], [[Ephesians 4:13]]).
* erchomai (ἔρχομαι, `{{G2064}}`): A very general verb for "to come" or "to go." ephiknéomai carries a more specific nuance of *reaching* a particular point or limit.
The concept of "reaching" is intrinsically linked to the broader biblical themes of evangelism, missions, the geographical spread of the gospel, and the establishment of God's kingdom through apostolic endeavor. It speaks to the boundaries and spheres of spiritual influence and the successful completion of a divinely appointed task.
### Theological Significance
Though its occurrence is singular, ephiknéomai (`{{G2185}}`) in [[2 Corinthians 10:14]] carries profound theological weight regarding the nature of apostolic ministry and the efficacy of the gospel.
1. **Legitimacy of Ministry:** Paul's use of ephiknéomai underscores the divine authorization and legitimacy of his work in Corinth. His "reaching" them with the gospel was not an intrusion but the fulfillment of his God-given commission to extend the good news. This highlights that true ministry operates within boundaries established by God's sovereign will and effective grace.
2. **Efficacy of the Gospel:** The word implies that the gospel is not merely proclaimed but effectively "reaches" its intended recipients. It is a powerful, dynamic message that transcends barriers and takes root, leading to conversion and the formation of Christian communities. The "reaching" of the gospel signifies its transformative power to penetrate human hearts and establish a spiritual reality.
3. **Missionary Imperative:** The concept embedded in ephiknéomai resonates with the broader missionary mandate to extend the knowledge of Christ to all peoples. Just as Paul was sent to "reach" Corinth, so too is the church called to ensure that the gospel "reaches" the ends of the earth, fulfilling the Great Commission. It speaks to the purposeful, outward movement of God's saving truth.
### Summary
The Greek verb ephiknéomai (`{{G2185}}`), meaning "to arrive upon," "to extend to," or "to reach," encapsulates the purposeful and effective attainment of a destination or goal. Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[2 Corinthians 10:14]] is pivotal, as Paul employs it to assert the divine legitimacy and success of his apostolic ministry in bringing the gospel to Corinth. This word thus signifies not only the geographical and personal extension of the gospel but also its inherent power to genuinely "reach" and transform lives. It powerfully illustrates the divinely ordained scope of ministry and the imperative for the gospel to purposefully extend its saving influence to all humanity.
TRV