Lexicon 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 Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ἐκτείνω (ekteinō), meaning "to stretch out" or "to extend."Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐκτενής, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words that convey earnestness or fervency, such as חָזָק (chazaq, Strong's Hebrew 2388), meaning "strong" or "firm," and תָּמִים (tamim, Strong's Hebrew 8549), meaning "complete" or "wholehearted." These terms reflect the intensity and sincerity that ἐκτενής embodies in the Greek New Testament context. Usage: The term ἐκτενής is used in the New Testament to describe a quality of prayer, love, or effort that is marked by intensity and sincerity. It appears in contexts where believers are encouraged to exhibit a wholehearted and fervent commitment to their faith and to one another. Context: The Greek adjective ἐκτενής is a significant term in the New Testament, emphasizing the depth and intensity of Christian virtues and practices. It is used to describe the fervency of prayer and love among believers. For instance, in Acts 12:5, the church is described as offering "earnest prayer" for Peter, highlighting the community's deep concern and persistent intercession. Similarly, in 1 Peter 4:8, believers are exhorted to maintain "fervent love" for one another, underscoring the importance of sincere and enduring affection within the Christian community. This term encapsulates the idea that true Christian living involves more than superficial actions; it requires a heartfelt and sustained commitment to God and others. 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 |