### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phthánō**, represented by `{{G5348}}`, is a primary verb meaning **to be beforehand, i.e. anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at:--(already) attain, come, prevent**. It appears **9 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The word conveys a sense of arrival, attainment, or coming before something else, often with a sense of finality or certainty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G5348}}` is used to describe a definitive arrival. Jesus uses it to declare that in his casting out of devils, "the kingdom of God is come unto you" ([[Matthew 12:28]]; [[Luke 11:20]]). It is also used to express the concept of attainment, both in a positive sense of spiritual progress [[Philippians 3:16]] and a negative sense, where Israel, despite following the law, has "not attained" righteousness [[Romans 9:31]]. Furthermore, it describes the arrival of God's wrath "to the uttermost" [[1 Thessalonians 2:16]] and is used to mean "precede" in the context of the Lord's return, assuring that the living "shall not prevent" (precede) those who are asleep [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G5348}}` is used:
* `{{G932}}` **basileía** (properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively):--kingdom, + reign): This word is central to the declaration that the **kingdom** of God has "come" ([[Matthew 12:28]], [[Luke 11:20]]), linking `{{G5348}}` to the arrival of God's sovereign rule.
* `{{G1377}}` **diṓkō** (to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute:--ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward): This term is used in contrast to `{{G5348}}` in [[Romans 9:31]], where Israel is described as having **followed after** the law of righteousness but failed to attain it.
* `{{G3952}}` **parousía** (a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect:--coming, presence): In [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]], the "coming" of the Lord is the event that believers will not precede, or "prevent" `{{G5348}}`.
* `{{G2967}}` **kōlýō** (to estop, i.e. prevent (by word or act):--forbid, hinder, keep from, let, not suffer, withstand): This word describes the action of those who were **forbidding** the apostles to speak to the Gentiles, which immediately precedes the statement that wrath has "come" `{{G5348}}` upon them [[1 Thessalonians 2:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5348}}` is significant, marking moments of decisive spiritual arrival.
* **The Kingdom's Arrival:** The word is used by Jesus to signify that the kingdom of God is not merely a future promise but a present reality that has arrived with His ministry ([[Matthew 12:28]], [[Luke 11:20]]).
* **The Finality of Judgment:** In [[1 Thessalonians 2:16]], the use of "is come" signifies the definitive arrival of divine **wrath** `{{G3709}}` as a consequence of persistent opposition to the gospel.
* **Righteousness by Faith:** [[Romans 9:31]] uses `{{G5348}}` to illustrate the theological truth that righteousness cannot be attained through the works of the law, as Israel's pursuit did not lead to attainment.
* **Eschatological Order:** The word's meaning of "precede" or "prevent" is crucial in [[1 Thessalonians 4:15]] for establishing the precise order of resurrection at the Lord's **coming** `{{G3952}}`, providing comfort and clarity to believers.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5348}}` is a dynamic verb that denotes more than simple movement. It signifies a definitive arrival, a point of attainment, or a precedence in time. Whether describing the arrival of the kingdom of God on earth, the coming of divine wrath, the failure to attain righteousness by law, or the established order of end-time events, **phthánō** consistently points to a crucial and completed threshold.
TRV