Lexical Summary ephikneomai: To reach, to arrive at, to attain Original Word: ἐφικνέομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance reach. From epi and a cognate of heko; to arrive upon, i.e. Extend to -- reach. see GREEK epi see GREEK heko NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and the same as hikanos Definition to arrive upon, i.e. to reach NASB Translation reach (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2185: ἐφικνέομαιἐφικνέομαι, ἐφικνοῦμαι; 2 aorist infinitive ἐφικέσθαι; (from Homer down); to come to: ἄχρι with the genitive of person 2 Corinthians 10:13; to reach: εἰς τινα, 2 Corinthians 10:14. Topical Lexicon Scope of Meaning and Motifs The verb behind Strong’s 2185 expresses the motion of successfully “reaching” a goal or destination. In Scripture it carries the idea of arriving at an appointed sphere of labor or influence that God Himself has marked out. The term thus speaks not of mere movement but of divinely directed attainment—coming into the proper, God-ordained territory of ministry, authority, or accomplishment. Occurrences in the New Testament The word appears only twice, both in 2 Corinthians 10, a passage in which Paul defends his apostolic commission: Paul’s Immediate Concern Corinth had become a battleground where rival teachers questioned Paul’s legitimacy. By choosing this verb, Paul underscores that his arrival in Corinth was not accidental but the fulfillment of a divine allotment of ministry. He “reached” the Corinthians because God had drawn the boundary lines of that mission field, giving him genuine authority within it. The same word also guards him from pride: he refuses to “boast beyond limits,” acknowledging that all true attainment is by the Lord’s appointment. Historical Setting Acts 18 records Paul’s founding visit to Corinth during his second missionary journey. Corinth’s strategic location and moral climate made it a crucial beachhead for the gospel. Years later, false apostles sought influence there. In response, Paul reminds the believers that he had already “reached” them with the gospel long before these newcomers appeared. His use of Strong’s 2185 ties the Corinthians back to that decisive moment of first hearing and believing, sealing his rightful pastoral claim. Theological Significance 1. Divine Allotment: Ministry spheres are not seized by ambition but assigned by God (compare Romans 12:3-6). Ministry Application • Discern Your Field: Churches and workers should prayerfully identify where the Lord has called them to “reach,” avoiding rivalry and duplication. Related Biblical Themes Boundaries (Proverbs 22:28), assigned gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11), spheres of influence (2 Corinthians 10:15-16), the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1), stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). Summary Strong’s 2185 captures the moment when God’s servant arrives at the divinely chosen goal. Paul’s use of the word anchors his authority, curbs his boasting, and reminds every believer that true success is to fulfill the precise work God has laid out—no more and no less. Forms and Transliterations εφικεσθαι εφικέσθαι ἐφικέσθαι εφικνουμενοι εφικνούμενοι ἐφικνούμενοι ephikesthai ephikésthai ephiknoumenoi ephiknoúmenoiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 10:13 V-ANMGRK: θεὸς μέτρου ἐφικέσθαι ἄχρι καὶ NAS: to us as a measure, to reach even KJV: to us, a measure to reach even unto INT: God of measure to reach as far as also 2 Corinthians 10:14 V-PPM/P-NMP Strong's Greek 2185 |
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