Lexical Summary ektenesteron: More earnestly, more fervently Original Word: ἐκτενέστερον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance more earnestly. Neuter of the comparative of ektenes; more intently -- more earnestly. see GREEK ektenes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originneut. of the cptv. of ektenés Definition more intently NASB Translation very (1). Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 1617 appears once in the New Testament, describing the intensified manner in which Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Though rare in occurrence, the term opens a window into the biblical theme of fervent, persevering prayer offered in moments of profound trial. Its lone use links it inseparably to Christ’s redemptive suffering and establishes a pattern for believers who follow Him. The Agony in Gethsemane Luke alone records that, “And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44). Luke the physician notes the physical effects of Christ’s emotional strain, underlining the depth of His submission to the Father’s will. The phrase “more earnestly” signals an intensification of effort in prayer. It is not a change in content but a deepening of engagement—heart, mind, and body stretched to the breaking point. In Jesus we see the perfect unity of full humanity and full deity: His humanity wrestles in anguish; His divine Sonship yields obediently. Old Testament Background Fervent intercession has rich precedent in Scripture. Moses stretches out his hands for Israel’s victory (Exodus 17:11–13); Hannah pours out her soul “in bitterness” before the LORD (1 Samuel 1:10–15); Daniel pleads with fasting and sackcloth (Daniel 9:3). Each scene foreshadows the Gethsemane vigil, preparing the reader to understand that heightened emotion in prayer is not contrary to faith but an expression of it. Christological Significance The earnestness of Jesus’ prayer exposes the real cost of redemption. He fully experiences temptation to bypass the cup, yet chooses the Father’s plan. Hebrews later affirms, “He learned obedience from what He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). The single occurrence of this adverb thus becomes a theological beacon: the Son’s incarnate will perfectly aligns with the Father’s, achieving salvation through obedient suffering. Pattern for the Church 1. Corporate intercession Acts 12:5 reports, “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him”. The same root concept surfaces, showing that the early believers saw passionate, sustained intercession as their first resort in crisis. 2. Persistent love Peter urges, “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). The family of God imitates Christ’s earnestness not only in prayer but in sacrificial affection. 3. Effective prayer of the righteous James 5:16 concludes, “The prayer of a righteous man has great power and produces marvelous results”. The Gethsemane model warns against mechanical petitions; the righteous pray with the energy of a heart fully engaged. Historical Witness Early Christian writings testify that the church embraced fervent prayer as a hallmark of discipleship. Polycarp’s final hours were spent in uninterrupted supplication; the desert fathers withdrew to cultivate unceasing, earnest communion. Revivals across church history—from the Moravians’ hundred-year prayer meeting to the Welsh Revival—trace their origins to believers who prayed “more earnestly.” Pastoral and Devotional Application • Suffering believers find in Luke 22:44 assurance that anguish in prayer is not failure but faithful obedience. Doctrinal Implications The verse safeguards orthodox Christology: Jesus is not portrayed as less than divine for agonizing, nor as less than human for submitting. Rather, His earnest prayer displays the mystery of two natures in one Person, accomplishing redemption in perfect accord with the Father. For Further Study Luke 22:44; Exodus 17:11–13; 1 Samuel 1:10–15; Daniel 9:3; Acts 12:5; 1 Peter 4:8; James 5:16; Hebrews 5:7–9. Forms and Transliterations εκτενεστερον ἐκτενέστερον ektenesteron ektenésteronLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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