ὀρέγομαι
orégomai
G3713 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To stretch out, reach toward or for something. In the middle voice, to strive for, aspire to, set one’s mind upon or desire something, especially with effort. The word generally carries a sense of purpose or strong intention in reaching or striving for a goal or object, both literally (to reach out the hand) and metaphorically (to aspire or long for something).
Semantic Range
to reach out (literally), to stretch oneself, to aspire to, to strive for, to desire, to covet, to long for (metaphorical sense)
Root / Etymology
Derived from a root ὀρεγ-, related to ὄρος (‘mountain’) or ὄρνυμι (‘to stretch, to arouse’), though the precise verbal root is not attested in classical Greek; considered to be a native Greek formation, but etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Koine Greek, ὀρέγομαι is used almost exclusively in the middle voice, indicating a reflexive sense: to stretch oneself toward, to pursue something actively. In classical Greek, the verb is rare, but in Hellenistic and New Testament Greek it is used with both literal and metaphorical senses. Most instances in the New Testament and related literature are metaphorical, denoting a strong aspiration or desire directed towards something, often with ethical or moral connotations (e.g., longing for authority, wealth, or spiritual qualities). Standard English translations often render the term as 'desire,' 'seek,' or 'aspire,' but these translations may not fully capture the strong, effortful intent embedded in the Greek. The verb is distinct from more neutral terms for want or wish; compare with ἐπιθυμέω (to desire, often associated with passions or cravings). ὀρέγομαι does not inherently carry negative, positive, or neutral valuation—it is context-dependent. Attested in the LXX, New Testament, and contemporary literature, often governing a genitive of the thing sought.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
middle voice of apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary (compare ὄρος); to stretch oneself, i.e. reach out after (long for):--covet after, desire.
Root Family
ὀρέγομαι (oreg-omai) — to stretch out, to reach, to aspire, to strive for, to long for
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3713-02 |
ὀρεγόμενοι | oregomenoi | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL |
coveting | those striving for | 1 |
G3713-01 |
ὀρέγεται | oregetai | V PRS MID IND 3P SG |
aspires | is striving for | 1 |
G3713-03 |
ὀρέγονται | oregontai | V PRS MID IND 3P PL |
they are striving for | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3713-01 |
1 Timothy 3:1 | ὀρέγεται | oregetai | V PRS MID IND 3P SG |
aspires | is striving for |
G3713-02 |
1 Timothy 6:10 | ὀρεγόμενοι | oregomenoi | V PRS MID PTCP NOM M PL |
coveting | those striving for |
G3713-03 |
Hebrews 11:16 | ὀρέγονται | oregontai | V PRS MID IND 3P PL |
they are striving for |