Greek · G5348

φθάνω

To precede/arrive

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φθάνω G5348
Pronunciation phthánō

What does φθάνω (phthánō) mean in the Bible?

16, where the local argument determines whether the emphasis is doctrinal, ethical, pastoral, or ministry-related. The companion therefore treats To Precede/Arrive as a passage-governed word study rather than a detached lexical slogan.

Reader summary

Full entry for φθάνω (G5348) · Open the biblical lexicon

Questions this entry answers

What does φθάνω (phthánō) mean in the Bible?

16, where the local argument determines whether the emphasis is doctrinal, ethical, pastoral, or ministry-related. The companion therefore treats To Precede/Arrive as a passage-governed word study rather than a detached lexical slogan.

How does the BSB render G5348?

The BSB source-word alignment has 7 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include has come (3), has not attained (1), we have already attained (1), we were the first to reach (1), will by no means precede (1).

Where does φθάνω (phthánō) appear in Scripture?

The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Matthew 12:28. Its strongest book concentrations include 1 Thessalonians (2), 2 Corinthians (1), Luke (1), Matthew (1).

What This Word Actually Means

G5348 is represented in this Pauline-focused companion by the reviewed display gloss "to precede/arrive." In Paul's letters, the term appears in passages such as 1Thess. 2. 16, 2Cor. 10. 14, Php. 3. 16, where the local argument determines whether the emphasis is doctrinal, ethical, pastoral, or ministry-related. The companion therefore treats To Precede/Arrive as a passage-governed word study rather than a detached lexical slogan.

It gives teachers a compact way to notice the term, compare several Pauline settings, and move toward application only after the immediate context has set the boundary. The aim is disciplined clarity: the Greek term can sharpen reading, but it does not replace the grammar, flow, and theological burden of the passage itself.

Sources