Lexical Summary ektenés: Earnest, fervent, constant Original Word: ἐκτενής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance without ceasing, fervent. From ekteino; intent -- without ceasing, fervent. see GREEK ekteino HELPS Word-studies 1618 ektenḗs (an adjective, derived from 1537 /ek, "wholly out" which intensifies teinō, "to stretch" which is also the root of English terms, "tension" and "tense") – properly, stretch out, i.e. fully because completely taut; (figuratively) at maximum potential, without slack because fully extended to its necessary outcome. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ekteinó Definition stretched, fig. zealous, earnest NASB Translation fervent (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1618: ἐκτενήςἐκτενής, ἐκτενές (ἐκτείνω), properly, stretched out; figuratively, intent, earnest, assiduous: προσευχή, Acts 12:5 R G (εὐχή, Ignatius (interpolated) ad Eph. 10 [ET]; δέησις καί ἱκεσία, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 59, 2 [ET]); ἀγάπη, 1 Peter 4:8. Neuter of the comparitive ἐκτενέστερον, as adverb, more intently, more earnestly, Luke 22:44 (L brackets WH reject the passage). (ἐκτενής φίλος, Aeschylus suppl. 983; Polybius 22, 5, 4; then very often from Philo on; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 311.) Topical Lexicon Sense and Word Picture The term portrays something “fully stretched,” like a taut rope or the limb of an athlete extended to its limit. When applied to human attitudes it suggests effort that refuses to slacken, an intensity maintained until the goal is reached. New Testament Usage (1 Peter 4:8) “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Peter chooses the word to urge believers in persecuted Asia Minor to keep their love continually on the stretch. The present imperative “have” (ἔχετε) links the adjective directly to a sustained habit, not an isolated act. Love is pictured as reaching beyond ordinary limits, persisting even when strained by misunderstanding, offense, or hardship. The verb “covers” recalls Proverbs 10:12 and highlights love’s restorative power; fervency is the practical means by which sins are concealed, not exposed, within the community. Old Testament Background Although the exact form is not common in the Septuagint, the idea of “stretching out” in prayer or compassion appears frequently: “I stretched out my hands to You” (Psalm 143:6), “let Your mercy be upon us” (Psalm 33:22). These images prepare the way for Peter’s call to a stretched-out love that mirrors God’s own covenant mercy. Relationship to Related Terms • The adverbial form (Strong’s 1619) describes Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44) and the church’s prayer for Peter’s release (Acts 12:5). Theological Significance 1. Reflects Divine Character: God’s love is steadfast and unrelenting; believers image that quality by loving “fervently.” Practical Ministry Implications • Pastoral Care: Counsel saints to extend love past disappointment, distinguishing between covering sin (forgiveness) and condoning sin (compromise). Historical Interpretation Early Fathers such as Clement of Alexandria saw the term as a call to “strain every nerve” in Christian virtue. Reformers highlighted its link to Proverbs 10:12, teaching that fervent love silences the accuser by manifesting the gospel’s reconciling power. Modern evangelical scholarship notes the athletic nuance, stressing disciplined effort empowered by grace. Illustrations in Church History • Patrick’s ministry in Ireland: persistent love for former captors overcame tribal enmity. Application for Today 1. Cultivate habits—intentional hospitality, consistent prayer partnerships—that keep love stretched rather than static. Strong’s 1618 therefore summons every believer to a love that refuses fatigue, mirrors Christ’s own outstretched arms on the cross, and becomes the tangible proof that the gospel is true. Forms and Transliterations εκτενέστερον εκτενη εκτενή ἐκτενῆ εκτενής ektene ektenê ektenē ektenē̂Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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