Lexical Summary huperekeina: Beyond, further, more than Original Word: ὑπερέκεινα 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: ὑπερέκειναὑπερέκεινα (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. 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). Ministry Principles for Today 1. Pioneering Vision: Congregations should regularly ask, “Where is the ‘beyond’ for us?” 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 uperekeinaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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