Lexical Summary ekpetannumi: To spread out, to stretch forth Original Word: ἐκπετάννυμι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance stretch forth. From ek and a form of petomai; to fly out, i.e. (by analogy) to extend -- stretch forth. see GREEK ek see GREEK petomai Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1600: ἐκπετάννυμιἐκπετάννυμι: 1 aorist ἐξεπέτασα; to spread out, stretch forth: τάς χεῖρας πρός τινα, Romans 10:21 from Isaiah 65:2. (Euripides, Polybius, Plutarch, Anthol., others.) STRONGS NT 1600a: ἐκπηδάωἐκπηδάω, ἐκπηδω: 1 aorist ἐξεπήδασα; to spring out, leap forth: εἰς τόν ὄχλον, Acts 14:14 G L T Tr WH. (εἰς τόν λαόν, Judith 14:17; in Greek writings from (Sophocles and) Herodotus down. Deuteronomy 33:22.) The verb rendered “held out” in Romans 10:21 evokes the picture of open, outstretched arms—an active, sustained posture of invitation. In Paul’s quotation of Isaiah 65:2, the gesture belongs to the Lord Himself, communicating patient mercy rather than momentary tolerance. It is not a passive waiting; it is a deliberate, ongoing extension of grace toward those who persist in resistance. Immediate New Testament Context (Romans 10:21) Paul cites the verse at the climax of his discussion on Israel’s unbelief (Romans 9–11). Having affirmed that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13), he also laments Israel’s refusal to respond, even though God has “held out” His hands “all day long.” The image underscores two realities: 1. God’s persevering initiative—He does the reaching first and continuously. Old Testament Roots Isaiah 65:2 is the source of the quotation. There, the Lord laments a “rebellious people” who “walk in the way that is not good.” By invoking this text, Paul affirms the continuity of God’s redemptive posture from prophetic times into the gospel era. The outstretched hands motif echoes earlier episodes: Together, these passages build a biblical theology of divine availability—God welcomes sinners even while acknowledging their rebellion. Theological Significance 1. Persevering Grace: The verb’s durative sense portrays grace that is neither reluctant nor transient. God’s covenant love (hesed) remains extended despite continual provocation. Applications for Ministry • Evangelism: Gospel proclamation echoes God’s own stance—arms open, voice pleading. Mission efforts should reflect this patient persistence, confident that the invitation remains valid until the final day. Historical Interpretation Early Christian writers noted the cruciform implication of outstretched hands. Justin Martyr saw Isaiah 65:2 fulfilled supremely when Christ’s hands were spread on the cross—God’s final, visual sermon of open-armed mercy. Augustine emphasized God’s unwearied patience, asserting that Israel’s unbelief magnified divine longsuffering and amplified Gentile gratitude. Practical Reflections The single New Testament use of this verb speaks volumes: one occurrence, yet an eternal gesture. Every time the gospel is preached, the same hands are still extended. The church’s task is to make that divine posture visible, urging every hearer to move from obstinacy to obedience, from distance to embrace. |
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