Lexical Summary oregó: To reach out, to stretch oneself, to desire, to aspire Original Word: ὀρέγω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance covet after, desire. Middle voice of apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary (compare oros); to stretch oneself, i.e. Reach out after (long for) -- covet after, desire. see GREEK oros HELPS Word-studies 3713 orégomai ("a primitive verb," NAS Dictionary) – properly, stretch towards; (figuratively) strongly inclined to (pulled towards); aspire to; desire to attain (acquire), reach to. 3713 /orégomai ("aspire, stretch towards") is always in the Greek middle voice meaning, "stretching oneself out." This emphasizes the personal desire of the subject, focusing on what the object personally means to the subject (cf. Vine/Unger, White, NT). [J. Thayer, "The middle voice literally means 'to stretch oneself out in order to touch or grasp something.' "] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to stretch out, to reach after, to yearn for NASB Translation aspires (1), desire (1), longing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3713: ὀρέγωὀρέγω: (cf. Latinrego, German recken,strecken,reichen (English reach; Curtius, § 153)); from Homer down; to stretch forth, as χεῖρα, Homer, Iliad 15, 371, etc.; present middle (cf. Winers Grammar, p. 252 (237) note), to stretch oneself out in order to touch or to grasp something, to reach after or desire something: with a genitive of the thing, 1 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 11:16; φιλαργυριας, to give oneself up to the love of money (not quite accurately since φιλαργυριας is itself the ὄρεξις; (cf. Ellicott at the passage)), 1 Timothy 6:10. Topical Lexicon Overview of the VerbStrong’s Greek 3713 portrays an intense reaching out—an inner stretching toward a desired object. The three New Testament occurrences reveal how this impulse can be commendable or ruinous, depending on what is sought. By tracing each text, a coherent biblical theology of longing emerges: godly aspiration fuels service and hope, while distorted craving breeds apostasy and grief. Positive Aspiration in Ministry (1 Timothy 3:1) Paul writes, “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1). Here the verb dignifies a Spirit-wrought yearning. To reach after church leadership is laudable when grounded in humble willingness to serve, not in ambition for status. Historically, the first-century congregations faced persecution and scarcity; overseeing such flocks meant danger, sleepless nights, and sacrificial generosity (compare Acts 20:17-35). Therefore, the verb highlights a self-giving longing: stretching toward the burden of shepherding Christ’s people. The text also safeguards the office by coupling aspiration with strict moral qualifications (1 Timothy 3:2-7), reminding candidates that the call to lead is inseparable from the call to holiness. Peril of Misplaced Longing (1 Timothy 6:10) “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). The same verb becomes a warning. Monetary greed entices believers to stretch toward material security instead of trusting God. In the pastoral context of Ephesus, false teachers saw godliness as a means of gain (1 Timothy 6:5). Paul contrasts this with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Throughout church history, ministries corrupted by covetousness have shipwrecked reputations and souls. Thus, the verb stands as a litmus test: Does my longing propel me toward Christlike service or toward self-centered accumulation? Pilgrim Hope for a Better Country (Hebrews 11:16) “Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16). The patriarchs’ reach transcended earthly reward. Their tents in Canaan symbolized provisional living; their hearts stretched toward the city “whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Early Jewish Christians, tempted to retreat under pressure, received this reminder that true fulfillment lies ahead. The verb therefore captures eschatological desire: believers are expatriates in the present world, strengthened by anticipation of resurrection life. Church tradition has drawn pilgrim hymns, liturgies, and spiritual disciplines from this motif, nurturing endurance amid suffering. Theological and Pastoral Implications 1. Morally neutral desire becomes righteous or sinful according to its object. Scripture never dismisses longing itself; it redirects it. Application for the Contemporary Church • Discern Desires: Congregations should help believers examine what they are “stretching out” toward. Prayer, fasting, and accountable relationships expose hidden idolatries. • Cultivate Noble Aspiration: Prospective elders can test their call by serving in unnoticed tasks. Genuine longing for oversight will persevere when applause is absent. • Guard against Greed: Transparent financial practices and teaching on contentment protect both leaders and laity from the snare of money. • Nurture Pilgrim Identity: Preaching, sacraments, and worship that point to the New Jerusalem anchor saints in hope, enabling joyful endurance. The verb ὀρέγομαι ultimately invites every Christian to ask: Am I reaching for the task God declares noble, fleeing the craving that destroys, and pressing on toward the country that lasts? Forms and Transliterations ορεγεται ορέγεται ὀρέγεται ορεγομενοι ορεγόμενοι ὀρεγόμενοι ορεγονται ορέγονται ὀρέγονται oregetai orégetai oregomenoi oregómenoi oregontai orégontaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 3:1 V-PIM-3SGRK: τις ἐπισκοπῆς ὀρέγεται καλοῦ ἔργου NAS: any man aspires to the office of overseer, KJV: If a man desire the office of a bishop, INT: anyone overseership aspires to of good a work 1 Timothy 6:10 V-PPM-NMP Hebrews 11:16 V-PIM-3P Strong's Greek 3713 |
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