Attain
The Meaning of Attain in Scripture
The English word "attain" translates several different Hebrew and Greek terms in the Bible, each with its own shade of meaning. In the Old Testament, Hebrew words like qanah (to acquire or get), nasagh (to reach), and bo (to come or arrive) are all rendered as "attain" depending on context. In the New Testament, Greek words such as katantao (to arrive at), katalambano (to seize eagerly), and phthano (to have arrived at) convey the idea of reaching a goal or obtaining something of value.
Attaining in the Old Testament
In the wisdom literature, attaining is closely linked to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 1:5 encourages the wise to listen and "attain" wise counsel, using the Hebrew qanah, which carries the sense of acquiring something precious. Jacob's words in Genesis 47:9 use nasagh to describe how he had not "attained" to the years of his fathers, expressing the idea of reaching or matching a standard. In the military records, David's mighty men are described in terms of what they "attained" in rank and honor (2 Samuel 23:19, 23), using the Hebrew bo to indicate their arrival at a position of distinction.
Attaining Righteousness and Spiritual Goals
The most theologically significant uses of "attain" appear in the New Testament epistles. Paul's letter to the Romans presents a striking paradox: the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, "attained" it through faith (Romans 9:30), while Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not attain it (Romans 9:31). Here the Greek katalambano (to seize eagerly) and phthano (to arrive at) highlight the difference between human effort and divine grace.
In Philippians 3:11-16, Paul uses the language of attaining with remarkable humility. He presses on toward the goal, hoping to "attain" the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:11), while acknowledging that he has not yet fully "obtained" what he seeks (Philippians 3:12). This passage reveals attainment as an ongoing process of faithful pursuit rather than a single achievement.
Attaining Through Faithful Living
Paul's instruction to Timothy connects attaining with discipleship. In 1 Timothy 4:6, the word parakoloutheo (to follow closely, trace out) describes Timothy's faithful adherence to sound teaching. This use broadens the concept of attaining beyond mere acquisition to include conformity to truth and consistent practice of godly living.
The prophet Hosea uses the concept negatively, asking when Israel will "attain to innocency" (Hosea 8:5), employing the Hebrew yakhol (to be able). This suggests that moral attainment was beyond Israel's reach apart from repentance and divine restoration.
The Tension Between Effort and Grace
Across both Testaments, the biblical concept of attaining holds together two truths: human beings are called to pursue wisdom, righteousness, and spiritual maturity with genuine effort, yet ultimate attainment depends on God's grace. Paul's own testimony in Philippians captures this tension perfectly, as he strains forward while acknowledging that Christ has already laid hold of him (Philippians 3:12-14).
Biblical Context
The concept of attaining appears across multiple genres of Scripture. In wisdom literature (Proverbs 1:5), it relates to acquiring knowledge. In narrative texts (Genesis 47:9; 2 Samuel 23:19), it describes reaching milestones or positions. In prophetic literature (Hosea 8:5), it addresses Israel's inability to achieve moral purity. In the Pauline epistles (Romans 9:30-31; Philippians 3:11-16; 1 Timothy 4:6), it becomes a key concept for understanding the relationship between human effort and divine grace in the pursuit of righteousness and spiritual maturity.
Theological Significance
The biblical use of 'attain' teaches that spiritual goals like righteousness and resurrection hope are simultaneously pursued by believers and granted by God. Paul's paradox in Romans 9 reveals that attaining righteousness comes through faith rather than works of the law, while his language in Philippians shows that spiritual maturity requires ongoing, disciplined pursuit. This concept underscores the biblical balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
Historical Background
The variety of Hebrew and Greek words translated as 'attain' reflects the linguistic richness of the biblical languages. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the concept of attaining often related to social status, military rank, or the acquisition of wisdom, all of which were highly valued in Israelite and Greco-Roman societies. Paul's use of athletic metaphors alongside the language of attaining in Philippians draws on the Greco-Roman cultural context of competitive games and the pursuit of excellence.