Lexical Summary epitugchanó: To obtain, to attain, to achieve Original Word: ἐπιτυγχάνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance obtain. From epi and tugchano; to chance upon, i.e. (by implication) to attain -- obtain. see GREEK epi see GREEK tugchano HELPS Word-studies 2013 epityg ["The simple (root) verb 5177 (tygxánō) originally means 'to hit the mark'; hence, 'to fall in with, light upon, attain' " (WS, 724).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and tugchanó Definition to light upon, i.e. to obtain NASB Translation obtain (1), obtained (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2013: ἐπιτυγχάνωἐπιτυγχάνω: 2 aorist ἐπέτυχον; 1. to light or hit upon any person or thing (Aristophanes, Thucydides, Xenophon, Plato). 2. to attain to, obtain: James 4:2; with the genitive of thing, Hebrews 6:15; Hebrews 11:33; with the accusative of thing: τοῦτο, Romans 11:7 (where Rec. τούτου). Cf. Matthiae, § 328; (Winer's Grammar, 200 (188)). The verb ἐπιτυγχάνω appears five times in the Greek New Testament and consistently centers on the idea of “coming into possession of” or “successfully reaching” an intended goal. Whether the object obtained is righteousness, a divine promise, or an earthly desire, the term frames the moment when aspiration meets reality. Romans 11:7 – Divine Election and Human Seeking “What then? What Israel was seeking it failed to obtain, but the elect obtained it. The others were hardened.” (Romans 11:7) Paul contrasts two pursuits: national Israel’s quest for covenant righteousness by works and the elect’s reception of righteousness by faith. ἐπιτυγχάνω underscores that the decisive factor is not intensity of human effort but God’s sovereign grace. The verb therefore serves a polemical role, affirming that salvation is secured by God’s choosing and not by ethnic privilege or legal zeal. Hebrews 6:15 – Perseverance Rewarded “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham obtained the promise.” (Hebrews 6:15) Here ἐπιτυγχάνω highlights the culmination of prolonged faithfulness. The author of Hebrews places Abraham’s experience before wavering believers who faced social pressure and persecution. By presenting promise-fulfillment with this verb, the epistle links steadfast endurance to tangible realization, encouraging readers that patient faith never terminates in emptiness. Hebrews 11:33 – Faith’s Victory Spectrum “…who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and obtained what was promised, who shut the mouths of lions.” (Hebrews 11:33) In the catalog of faith-heroes, ἐπιτυγχάνω functions as a pivot between extraordinary exploits and the reception of covenant blessings. The term stresses that all victories—military, judicial, or miraculous—ultimately serve the purpose of laying hold of divine promises. The community is reminded that faith acts not for spectacle but for inheritance. James 4:2 – Frustrated Desires and Misguided Means “You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet but are unable to obtain it; you quarrel and fight; you do not have because you do not ask.” (James 4:2) James employs the infinitive ἐπιτυχεῖν to expose the futility of selfish striving. The failure to secure desired ends arises from prayerlessness and wrong motives (James 4:3). By choosing this verb, James contrasts illegitimate acquisition strategies with the simple act of humble petition. Thus ἐπιτυγχάνω frames both success and the frustration that follows worldly tactics. Theological Themes 1. Grace versus Works: Romans 11:7 anchors obtaining to election, demolishing any claim that human merit can secure righteousness. Historical Context and Ministry Significance • First-century Jewish-Gentile tensions made Romans 11:7 a critical corrective: God’s saving purpose transcends ethnic lines and human striving. Pastoral Application • Preaching and counseling can leverage this verb to contrast self-effort with God-given attainment, calling believers to faith-grounded expectation rather than anxiety-driven toil. Conclusion Across its five New Testament occurrences, ἐπιτυγχάνω weaves a consistent narrative: true attainment is inseparable from God’s initiative, sustained faith, and rightly directed desire. Whether promises or righteousness, victories or answered petitions, all authentic success finds its source and fulfillment in the gracious purposes of God. Englishman's Concordance Romans 11:7 V-AIA-3SGRK: τοῦτο οὐκ ἐπέτυχεν ἡ δὲ NAS: is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen KJV: hath not obtained that which INT: this not it did obtain but Romans 11:7 V-AIA-3S Hebrews 6:15 V-AIA-3S Hebrews 11:33 V-AIA-2P James 4:2 V-ANA Strong's Greek 2013 |
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