### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G5238 (hyperékeina) is a compound adverb derived from the preposition ὑπέρ (hyper - `{{G5228}}`), meaning "over, above, beyond," and the neuter plural of the demonstrative pronoun ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos - `{{G1565}}`), meaning "that one, those." Etymologically, it signifies "beyond those parts" or "still farther." The combined force of these elements conveys a sense of exceeding a previously defined boundary or point, indicating a more remote or transcendent location, either spatially or conceptually. It denotes a progression to a place or state distinct from and further removed than what has already been established or considered.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G5238 (hyperékeina) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[2 Corinthians 10:16]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is defending his apostolic authority and ministry strategy against those who challenged him in Corinth. He writes: "so that we may preach the gospel in the regions *beyond* you, and not to boast in work already done in another's sphere."
Contextually, Paul is articulating his missionary principle of not building on another apostle's foundation or boasting in another's sphere of labor (cf. [[Romans 15:20]]). His ambition is to evangelize new territories, moving *beyond* the established Christian communities, such as Corinth, into unreached regions. The "beyond" here is primarily geographical and strategic, referring to areas where the gospel has not yet been proclaimed. This reveals Paul's expansive vision for mission, aiming to extend the reach of the gospel into new frontiers, always seeking to plant the seed of faith where Christ has not yet been named. It underscores his commitment to pioneering evangelism rather than merely consolidating existing work.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of G5238 offer significant insight into its meaning. ὑπέρ (hyper - `{{G5228}}`) is a versatile preposition indicating superiority, excess, or transcendence, often translated as "over," "above," "beyond," or "on behalf of." Its presence in hyperékeina emphasizes the idea of moving *past* a certain point into a distinct, further domain. ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos - `{{G1565}}`) functions as a demonstrative pronoun, specifying "those" particular places or things, thus grounding the "beyond" in relation to a specific context.
Other Greek words that convey a sense of distance or being "beyond" include:
* πέραν (peran - `{{G4008}}`): "beyond, on the other side," often referring to a geographical crossing.
* ἔξω (exō - `{{G1854}}`): "outside, without," indicating exclusion or external location.
* μακράν (makran - `{{G3112}}`): "far away, at a distance."
Theologically, hyperékeina aligns with concepts such as:
* **Missionary Expansion:** The imperative to spread the gospel to new, unreached peoples and territories.
* **Apostolic Calling:** The unique mandate given to certain individuals to break new ground for the kingdom.
* **Frontier Evangelism:** The strategic focus on reaching areas where the Christian message is unknown.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, G5238 (hyperékeina) carries profound theological weight, particularly in understanding the nature of early Christian mission. In [[2 Corinthians 10:16]], it encapsulates Paul's driving passion to extend the geographical and spiritual boundaries of the gospel. This "beyond" is not merely a spatial relocation but a theological imperative rooted in the Great Commission ([[Matthew 28:19]])—to make disciples of *all* nations.
Paul's desire to preach "in the regions beyond" them reveals a strategic and Spirit-led approach to evangelism. It highlights the principle of avoiding unnecessary duplication of effort and instead seeking out areas where the light of Christ has not yet shone. This proactive pursuit of new frontiers demonstrates the dynamic, expansive, and outward-focused nature of the early church. It reminds believers that the call to mission involves a continuous push into the unknown, trusting in divine enablement to overcome geographical and cultural barriers. The concept of hyperékeina thus serves as a powerful reminder of the church's ongoing responsibility to carry the gospel to the farthest reaches of the earth.
### Summary
G5238 (hyperékeina) precisely means "beyond those parts" or "still farther," conveying a sense of exceeding a boundary into a more remote or transcendent location. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[2 Corinthians 10:16]] is pivotal, revealing Apostle Paul's strategic missionary vision. He expresses his ambition to preach the gospel in regions *beyond* the established Christian communities, thereby avoiding building on another's foundation and instead pioneering evangelism in unreached territories. This word underscores the dynamic and expansive nature of the early Christian mission, highlighting the imperative to carry the gospel to new frontiers and reflecting the ongoing call for the church to pursue the global spread of Christ's message.
TRV