5238. huperekeina
Lexical Summary
huperekeina: Beyond, further, more than

Original Word: ὑπερέκεινα
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: huperekeina
Pronunciation: hoo-per-ek'-i-nah
Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-er-ek'-i-nah)
KJV: beyond
Word Origin: [from G5228 (ὑπέρ - behalf) and the neuter plural of G1565 (ἐκεῖνος - those)]

1. above those parts, i.e. still farther

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
beyond.

From huper and the neuter plural of ekeinos; above those parts, i.e. Still farther -- beyond.

see GREEK huper

see GREEK ekeinos

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5238: ὑπερέκεινα

ὑπερέκεινα (equivalent to ὑπέρ ἐκεῖνα, like ἐπέκεινα, equivalent to ἐπ' ἐκεῖνα (Winers Grammar, § 6, 1 l.)), beyond: τά ὑπερέκεινα τίνος, the regions lying beyond the country of one's residence, 2 Corinthians 10:16 (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 54, 6). (Byzantine and ecclesiastical writings; ἐπέκεινα ῥητορες λέγουσι ... ὑπερέκεινα δέ μόνον οἱ συφρακες, Thomas Magister, p. 336 (Winer's Grammar, 463 (401)).)

Topical Lexicon
Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context

Strong’s Greek 5238 appears once, in 2 Corinthians 10:16. Nestled within Paul’s defense of his apostolic calling (2 Corinthians 10:12-18), the adverb underscores his desire “to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, without boasting in the work already done in another man’s territory” (2 Corinthians 10:16). The passage contrasts godly ambition with self-promotion and introduces the concept of ever-extending gospel frontiers.

Geographical and Missional Horizons

“Beyond you” points to lands west of Corinth, likely toward Illyricum and ultimately Rome and Spain (Romans 15:19, 24). Paul viewed Corinth not as a terminus but as a launchpad for fresh evangelistic labor. The term therefore signals the forward thrust of the Church, refusing to let established congregations settle into complacency while unreached regions persist.

Pauline Philosophy of Ministry

1. Sphere Assigned by God: Paul speaks of a “field” or “measure” (2 Corinthians 10:13) granted by the Lord. He honors divine ordering even while pushing outward.
2. No Poaching: He refuses to “boast in another man’s territory,” echoing Romans 15:20, where he avoids building “on someone else’s foundation.” True ministry complements, rather than competes with, the labor of fellow servants.
3. Boasting in the Lord: Any success in reaching the “beyond” must yield praise to God alone (2 Corinthians 10:17-18).

Historical Echoes in Early Church Expansion

The earliest post-apostolic writers reflect this impetus. Clement of Rome recalls Paul reaching “the limits of the west,” and the Muratorian Fragment credits him with a missionary plan to Spain. Though historical details vary, the collective memory of the Church associates Paul’s name with relentless advance to the uttermost parts (Acts 1:8).

Thematic Links across Scripture

• Promise to Abram: A land “beyond” eyesight (Genesis 13:14-17).
• Joshua’s Allotments: Defined inheritances, yet God continually drives Israel farther (Joshua 13:1).
• Isaiah’s Servant Songs: “A light for the nations” (Isaiah 49:6) propels Israel’s mission outward.
• Christ’s Great Commission: Disciples are sent “to the ends of the earth” (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8). The lone use of 5238 thus harmonizes with a sweeping biblical motif: God’s people venture further until every nation hears.

Ministry Principles for Today

1. Pioneering Vision: Congregations should regularly ask, “Where is the ‘beyond’ for us?”
2. Respectful Cooperation: Churches honor boundaries, avoid sheep-stealing, and partner for genuine kingdom expansion.
3. Measured Risk: Like Paul, believers trust God’s assignment yet remain willing to enter unfamiliar fields, convinced that “the harvest is plentiful” (Luke 10:2).
4. God-Centered Boasting: Results must lead to worship, not self-advertisement (1 Corinthians 1:31).

Doctrinal and Practical Significance

The solitary occurrence of ὑπερέκεινα crystallizes a doctrine of holy ambition: God ordains both a defined sphere and a relentless drive to extend it. The Church’s fidelity is measured not merely by internal health but by outward impulse. As Paul models, mature ministry balances order and expansion, humility and boldness, honoring predecessors while pressing “far beyond” until the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth.

Forms and Transliterations
υπερεκεινα υπερέκεινα ὑπερέκεινα υπερεκπερισσού hyperekeina hyperékeina uperekeina
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Corinthians 10:16 Adv
GRK: εἰς τὰ ὑπερέκεινα ὑμῶν εὐαγγελίσασθαι
NAS: as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, [and] not to boast
KJV: in the [regions] beyond you,
INT: to that beyond you to preach the gospel

Strong's Greek 5238
1 Occurrence


ὑπερέκεινα — 1 Occ.

5237
Top of Page
Top of Page