Strong's Greek: 3240 -- (Not Used)zzz

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Conceptual Scope

Strong’s Greek 3240 conveys the idea of extending, stretching out, or making something longer in either time or space. Classical writers used the term for lengthening ropes, prolonging a speech, or extending time. In the Septuagint the same root appears in contexts where God “lengthens” days, enlarges tents, or prolongs mercy. Although the word itself never occurs in the Greek New Testament, the thought-world it represents is woven throughout Scripture.

Old Testament Foundations

1. Blessing of prolonged days
• Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16 – Honoring father and mother is tied to “long life” in the land.
• Deuteronomy 4:40 – Obedience “that you may live long on the earth.”

The Hebrew idea of covenant faithfulness resulting in extended life is rendered in the Greek Old Testament with this “lengthening” vocabulary. The promise anticipates the fuller life granted in Christ (John 10:10).

2. Expansion of tent-space
• Isaiah 54:2 – “Enlarge the place of your tent; extend the curtains of your dwelling.” The prophetic picture of Israel’s future growth uses the same word-family, capturing the hope of gospel expansion to the nations (Galatians 3:8).

3. Divine patience
• Isaiah 48:9 – The Lord “delays” His wrath, giving opportunity for repentance. The act of “prolonging” mercy reveals His longsuffering character later displayed at the cross (Romans 3:25–26).

New Testament Parallels (Conceptual)

1. Longsuffering of God
• 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise…but is patient with you.” The apostle expresses the same theological reality: God stretches out time so that people might repent.

2. Life lengthened into eternity
• 1 John 2:25 – “This is the promise that He Himself gave us: eternal life.” What the Law pointed to in extended earthly years finds its consummation in the unending life granted by the risen Christ (John 11:25–26).

3. Ministry enlargement
• 2 Corinthians 10:15–16 – Paul seeks the Corinthians’ growth so his ministry “may be expanded even farther.” The imagery of stretching borders echoes Isaiah 54:2, linking the missionary task with God’s age-old purpose of expansion.

Historical and Patristic Witness

Early Christian teachers employed this same Greek root when speaking of:
• God’s extension of grace before final judgment (Clement of Rome, First Epistle 30).
• The church’s widening mission field as the “cords” of the tent were lengthened to embrace Gentiles (Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.5).

Theological Themes

1. Covenant Faithfulness and Longevity – Earthly longevity in the Old Testament previews the eternal life secured by Christ.
2. Divine Patience – God lengthens the window of grace, underscoring His desire that none perish.
3. Missionary Expansion – The church participates in God’s plan to “lengthen the cords” until the gospel has reached every people group (Matthew 24:14).

Practical Application

• Perseverance – Believers “lengthen” their stride by enduring hardship, knowing that present obedience is never wasted (Hebrews 10:36).
• Kingdom Vision – Local congregations are called to stretch beyond comfort zones, enlarging their influence for Christ (Acts 1:8).
• Gratitude for Divine Delay – God’s prolonged patience is a call to repentance and evangelistic urgency (Romans 2:4).

Devotional Reflection

“Teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, LXX). The Lord alone grants time; He may shorten it (James 4:14) or stretch it (2 Peter 3:9). Every added moment is a stewardship to be invested for His glory.

Summary

Though Strong’s Greek 3240 never surfaces in the New Testament text, its underlying idea of lengthening illuminates vital biblical truths: the blessing of life, God’s forbearance, and the ever-expanding reach of the gospel. Recognizing the continuity of this theme from Law to Prophets to Apostles deepens confidence in the unified, purposeful revelation of Scripture.

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts