ἐκτείνω
ekteínō
G1614 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to stretch out, extend; to reach or move something outward; to hold out (e.g., one's hand); to spread or extend over an area. In narrative or imperative contexts, frequently used with actions involving one's hand or arms (e.g., 'stretching forth the hand'). Also attested for extending objects (such as a garment) or metaphorically for making effort or exertion.
Semantic Range
to stretch out, to extend, to hold out (a hand or arm), to reach out, to spread out, to make a vigorous motion outward, to prolong
Root / Etymology
from ἐκ ('out of, from') and τείνω ('to stretch, to extend'). The compound forms a verb with the sense 'to stretch out' or 'extend from.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical usage, ἐκτείνω is attested for both physical and metaphorical extension (e.g., to stretch a string, to prolong speech). In the Septuagint and New Testament, it commonly refers to extending the hand or arm in an action—either for help, healing, or harm. Its primary domain remains physical motion, not abstract extension. In translation, it is often rendered as 'stretch out' or 'put forth,' but English idioms may obscure physicality implicit in the Greek. Unlike τείνω alone, ἐκτείνω emphasizes outward extension. In the NT and LXX narrative, standard English translations as 'stretch forth' or 'reach out' are usually appropriate, though the vividness of the gesture can sometimes be understated.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐκ and teino (to stretch); to extend:--cast, put forth, stretch forth (out).
Root Family
ἐκτείνω (ekteinō) — to stretch, extend, reach out
Word Forms
6 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1614-01 |
ἐκτείνας | ekteinas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
stretched out | having stretched out | 7 |
G1614-03 |
ἔκτεινόν | ekteinon | V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG |
Stretch forth | Stretch out | 3 |
G1614-06 |
ἐξέτεινεν | exeteinen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he stretched out | he stretched out | 2 |
G1614-02 |
ἐκτείνειν | ekteinein | V PRS ACT INF |
you stretch out | to stretch out | 2 |
G1614-04 |
ἐκτενεῖς | ekteneis | V FUT ACT IND 2P SG |
you will stretch out | you will stretch out | 1 |
G1614-05 |
ἐξετείνατε | exeteinate | V AOR ACT IND 2P PL |
did you stretch out | you were stretching out | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
16 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1614-01 |
Matthew 8:3 | ἐκτείνας | ekteinas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having stretched out | |
G1614-03 |
Matthew 12:13 | ἔκτεινόν | ekteinon | V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG |
Stretch out | |
G1614-06 |
Matthew 12:13 | ἐξέτεινεν | exeteinen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he stretched out | |
G1614-01 |
Matthew 12:49 | ἐκτείνας | ekteinas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having stretched out | |
G1614-01 |
Matthew 14:31 | ἐκτείνας | ekteinas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having stretched out | |
G1614-01 |
Matthew 26:51 | ἐκτείνας | ekteinas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
having stretched out | |
G1614-01 |
Mark 1:41 | ἐκτείνας | ekteinas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
he stretched out | having stretched out |
G1614-03 |
Mark 3:5 | ἔκτεινον | ekteinon | V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG |
Stretch forth | Stretch out |
G1614-06 |
Mark 3:5 | ἐξέτεινεν | exeteinen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
he stretched out | he stretched out |
G1614-01 |
Luke 5:13 | ἐκτείνας | ekteinas | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
stretched out | having stretched out |