### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katantáō**, represented by `{{G2658}}`, means to arrive at a destination or to attain a goal. Its base definition is to meet against, which carries the sense of reaching a specific, intended point. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible, used both literally for physical travel and figuratively for spiritual achievement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its most frequent use, `{{G2658}}` describes the physical arrival at a destination, particularly throughout the narrative of the book of Acts. It chronicles the movements of the apostles, as when Paul **came** to Derbe and Lystra [[Acts 16:1]], or when Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria, **came** to Ephesus [[Acts 18:24]]. The word is also used to describe arriving at various ports and cities during sea voyages, such as finishing a course from Tyre to **come** to Ptolemais [[Acts 21:7]] or when a ship **came** to Rhegium [[Acts 28:13]]. Figuratively, it refers to the hope of reaching a goal, as when Paul expresses his desire to **attain** unto the resurrection of the dead [[Philippians 3:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of arrival and purpose:
* `{{G2064}}` **érchomai** (to come or go): This is a more general term for movement. In [[Acts 20:15]], a single journey is described using multiple words for arrival, including `érchomai` for reaching Miletus and `katantáō` for reaching a point over against Chios.
* `{{G3846}}` **parabállō** (to reach a place): This verb also signifies arrival. It appears in the same travel log as `{{G2658}}`, where the travelers **arrived** at Samos [[Acts 20:15]], illustrating the different terms used to describe stages of a journey.
* `{{G1012}}` **boulḗ** (purpose, counsel): This word connects to the intention behind the arrival. In [[Acts 27:12]], the crew **advised** `{{G1012}}` to depart in the hope that they might **attain** `{{G2658}}` to Phenice, linking the purpose with the intended destination.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2658}}` is significant, elevating the idea of a journey to one of spiritual progression and fulfillment.
* **Spiritual Maturity:** The ultimate goal for the church is to **come** into the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, attaining unto a **perfect** `{{G5046}}` man and the full stature of **Christ** `{{G5547}}` [[Ephesians 4:13]].
* **Eschatological Fulfillment:** The word describes the culmination of God's plan. Believers are identified as those upon whom the **ends** `{{G5056}}` of the **world** `{{G165}}` have **come** [[1 Corinthians 10:11]]. It is also the word used for the hope of Israel to **come** to the promise of God [[Acts 26:7]].
* **The Hope of Resurrection:** Paul uses `{{G2658}}` to describe his deepest personal aspiration: to **attain** to the **resurrection** `{{G1815}}` from the **dead** `{{G3498}}`, which is the ultimate arrival for the faithful [[Philippians 3:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2658}}` **katantáō** is a dynamic word that encompasses both physical and spiritual arrival. While it commonly marks the end of a journey to a specific city or place, its greater significance lies in its figurative use to describe the attainment of spiritual unity, the hope of the resurrection, and the fulfillment of God's promises. It captures the essence of the Christian life as a purposeful journey toward a divine destination.
TRV