Lexical Summary epekteinó: To stretch out, to extend, to reach forth Original Word: ἐπεκτείνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance reach forth. Middle voice from epi and ekteino; to stretch (oneself) forward upon -- reach forth. see GREEK epi see GREEK ekteino HELPS Word-studies 1901 epekteínomai (from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting" intensifying 1614 /ekteínō, "extend") – properly, extend (lay hold of) what is divinely acceptable (note the force of the prefix, epi). 1901 /epekteínomai ("aptly stretching intensely towards") is used only in Phil 3:13. It refers to the believer straining forward to reach "the full-impact resurrection" out from the realm of death given to them at Christ's return. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and ekteinó Definition to extend, mid. to stretch forward NASB Translation reaching forward (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1901: ἐπεκτείνωἐπεκτείνω: (present middle participle ἐπεκτεινόμενος); to stretch out to or toward; middle, to stretch (oneself) forward to: with the dative of thing indicating the direction (Winer's Grammar, § 52, 4, 7), Philippians 3:13 (14) (see ἔμπροσθεν, 1 at the end). Topical Lexicon Strong’s Greek 1901 – epekteínomaiTranslational Renderings Major English versions bring the term into Philippians 3:13 as “stretching forward” (Young), “reaching forward” (NASB), “straining toward” (NIV), “pressing on” (NKJV margin). Each rendering preserves the sense of active, deliberate extension toward an object not yet in hand. Immediate Context: Philippians 3:13–14 “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14) Paul sets “reaching forward” between two complementary motions: forgetting the past and pressing on. The participle forms an intentional bridge, depicting an athlete whose entire body is angled toward the finish line. The motion is continuous and energetic, not a single leap but an ongoing reach. Athletic Imagery and the Greco-Roman World Greek stadia races prized that final stretch where the runner’s torso lunged forward to break the ribbon. Contemporary inscriptions and mosaics show competitors leaning, arms extended, eyes fixed. Paul borrows that familiar scene to urge believers toward the eschatological prize—the full experience of resurrection life and complete conformity to Christ (Philippians 3:11, 21). Doctrine of Progressive Sanctification Epekteínomai embodies the “already/not yet” tension of salvation. Justification is complete in Christ (Romans 5:1), yet sanctification is an ongoing reach (Hebrews 12:14). Paul teaches that past credentials—whether religious achievement (Philippians 3:5-7) or prior sins (1 Timothy 1:13-16)—are relinquished, while future perfection in glory supplies relentless motivation (Colossians 1:28-29). Relation to Perseverance Other Pauline verbs—diōkō (“press on,” Philippians 3:12), agōnizomai (“agonize,” 1 Timothy 6:12), and trechō (“run,” 1 Corinthians 9:24)—stress persistence. Epekteínomai focuses on direction. Perseverance is not aimless endurance but a stretch toward a fixed, heavenly calling. Old Testament Resonances Though the exact Hebrew counterpart is absent, the concept echoes Psalm 63:8, “My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me,” and Isaiah 40:31, “They will run and not grow weary.” Believers in both covenants move forward because God first reaches down (Psalm 18:16). Historical and Ministry Significance 1. Early Christian writers (e.g., Clement of Rome, Ignatius) echo the motif, exhorting churches to “run together” toward God’s prize. Pastoral Application • Personal Holiness: Assess what memories—failures or triumphs—need consigning to “what is behind.” Homiletical Outline (Sample) 1. The Runner’s Release – “Forgetting what is behind.” Related Greek Terms • prosdechomai (Titus 2:13) – an eager waiting; more passive than epekteínomai’s active stretch. Questions for Reflection 1. What present goals most clearly align with the “prize” Paul describes? Summary Epekteínomai paints the believer as a racer leaning across the tape. It speaks of single-minded momentum toward Christlikeness, honoring God by treating future glory as worthy of every exertion now. Forms and Transliterations επεκτεινομενος επεκτεινόμενος ἐπεκτεινόμενος επελπιζέτω επήλπισα επήλπισάς επήλπισεν epekteinomenos epekteinómenosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Philippians 3:13 V-PPM/P-NMSGRK: δὲ ἔμπροσθεν ἐπεκτεινόμενος NAS: what [lies] behind and reaching forward to what [lies] ahead, KJV: and reaching forth unto those things which are before, INT: moreover before stretching out |
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