τυγχάνω

tynchánō /toong-khan'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootprobably for an obsolete (for which the middle voice of another alternate (to make ready or bring to pass) is used in certain tenses; akin to the base of τίκτω through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or (specially), to hit or light upon (as a mark to be reached), i.e. (transitively) to attain or secure an object or end, or (intransitively) to happen (as if meeting with); but in the latter application only impersonal (with εἰ), i.e. perchance; or (present participle) as adjective, usual (as if commonly met with, with οὐ, extraordinary), neuter (as adverb) perhaps; or (with another verb) as adverb, by accident (as it were)
KJV usagebe, chance, enjoy, little, obtain, X refresh…self, + special. Compare τύπτω.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word tynchánō, represented by G5177, is a versatile term that broadly means to hit a mark, happen upon something, or attain an object. It appears 15 times in 13 unique verses. Its meaning shifts with context, ranging from obtaining a specific goal to something happening by chance, or even describing an event as either common or extraordinary.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G5177 is used to convey several distinct ideas. It signifies the act of securing a spiritual inheritance, such as when Paul endures for the sake of the elect so they may obtain salvation 2 Timothy 2:10. Similarly, martyrs in the Old Testament are described as enduring torture to obtain a better resurrection Hebrews 11:35. The word can also imply chance or possibility, as when Paul writes that a seed sown "may chance of wheat" 1 Corinthians 15:37. In a different sense, it describes quality, as when God works "special miracles" through Paul, implying they were not of a usual kind Acts 19:11, or when Tertullus states that the people enjoy great peace through Felix's providence Acts 24:2.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the concepts associated with G5177:

  • G2983 lambánō (to take): This word is a close synonym for the "obtain" or "receive" aspect of tynchánō. It describes getting hold of something, such as receiving the power of the Holy Spirit Acts 1:8 or women who received their dead raised to life Hebrews 11:35.
  • G1096 gínomai (to become, come into being, happen): This term resonates with the "happen" or "chance" meaning of tynchánō. It is used to describe a new state of being, as when the Word was made flesh John 1:14 or when old things are passed away and all things are become new 2 Corinthians 5:17.
  • G1411 dýnamis (miraculous power): This word is directly connected to tynchánō in Acts 19:11, where God performs "special miracles." Dýnamis refers to the force or power itself, which tynchánō then qualifies as extraordinary. This power is the source of all mighty works and is central to salvation Romans 1:16.
  • G1487 ei (if, whether): The base definition of tynchánō notes its use with this particle to mean "perchance." Ei introduces a condition or possibility, seen in phrases like "If God be for us" Romans 8:31 and in the expression "it may be" (ei tynchánō) 1 Corinthians 14:10.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G5177 is multifaceted, touching on divine action and human experience.

  • Divine Providence and Chance: The word appears in contexts that might seem random, like Paul saying "it may be that I will abide" with the Corinthians 1 Corinthians 16:6. However, it is also used when Paul obtained help directly from God Acts 26:22. This dual usage suggests that what appears as chance to humans operates within the sphere of God's sovereign plan and providence.
  • Attaining Spiritual Blessings: Tynchánō consistently points toward the believer's goal. It is used for obtaining salvation in Christ 2 Timothy 2:10, being counted worthy to obtain the world to come Luke 20:35, and securing a "more excellent ministry" through Christ as mediator Hebrews 8:6. This frames salvation and its rewards as a definite end to be secured.
  • Defining the Extraordinary: When paired with a negative, the word highlights what is uncommon or remarkable. God wrought "special miracles" Acts 19:11, which were literally "not common" miracles. The people of Malta showed Paul's company "no little kindness" Acts 28:2, meaning their benevolence was extraordinary. This usage emphasizes actions, whether divine or human, that transcend the ordinary.

Summary

In summary, G5177 is far more than a simple verb for "getting" something. It spans the spectrum from the incidental to the intentional, from what might happen by chance to what is secured through great effort or divine intervention. It illustrates the biblical worldview where even seemingly random events can be instruments of God's will, and where the ultimate spiritual blessings are a concrete goal to be obtained by the faithful.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 13 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Infinitive 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Optative 3rd Singular 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Plural 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Accusative Plural Feminine 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Accusative Singular Feminine 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Accusative Singular Neuter 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • 2nd Perfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Optative
A wish or prayer — rare in the New Testament.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 13 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Acts (5 verses).

2
Luke
5
Acts
3
1 Corinthians
1
2 Timothy
2
Hebrews

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