The Greek verb epitugchano means to hit the mark, to obtain, to attain, to succeed in getting something. The prefix epi- intensifies tugchano (to hit, to happen upon) — to hit upon something, to actually obtain it.
Epitugchano is used in James 4:2 in a striking diagnosis: 'You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want (epitugchano), so you quarrel and fight.' Human striving — using violence and coercion to 'hit the mark' — ultimately fails. The solution is not less desire but redirected desire: 'You do not have because you do not ask God' (James 4:2b). Romans 11:7 uses the word for those who sought righteousness: 'Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking; the elect obtained it, but the others were hardened.' The elect 'hit the mark' — not by their own striving but by grace through faith. Epitugchano is thus redeemed in Christ: in him, we obtain what no human effort could secure.