1616. ekteneia

Lexicon

ekteneia: Earnestness, Fervency

Original Word: ἐκτενεία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: ekteneia
Pronunciation: ek-teh-NAY-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (ek-ten'-i-ah)
Definition: Earnestness, Fervency
Meaning: earnestness, strenuousness, intentness, zeal.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

earnestness, intentness

From ektenes; intentness -- X instantly.

see GREEK ektenes

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from ektenés
Definition
zeal, intentness
NASB Translation
earnestly* (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1616: ἐκτένεια

ἐκτένεια, ἐκτενειας, ἡ (ἐκτενής), a later Greek word (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 311);

a. properly, extension.

b. intentness (of mind), earnestness: ἐν ἐκτένεια, earnestly, Acts 26:7. (2 Macc. 14:38; Judith 4:9. Cf. Grimm on 3Macc. 6:41 (where he refers to Cicero, ad Att. 10, 17, 1).)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from ἐκτενής (ektenēs), meaning "stretched out" or "earnest," which comes from the root ἐκτείνω (ekteinō), meaning "to stretch out."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐκτενεία, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words that convey earnestness or fervency, such as חָזַק (chazaq • Strong's Hebrew 2388), meaning "to be strong" or "to strengthen," and תָּמִים (tamim • Strong's Hebrew 8549), meaning "complete" or "wholehearted." These terms reflect the idea of wholehearted devotion and strength in one's spiritual life, akin to the fervency described by ἐκτενεία.

Usage: The word ἐκτενεία is used in the context of describing a fervent or earnest attitude, often in prayer or love. It emphasizes the depth and sincerity of one's actions or emotions.

Context: The Greek term ἐκτενεία appears in the New Testament to describe a quality of earnestness or fervency, particularly in spiritual contexts. This term is closely associated with the idea of stretching oneself out in effort or emotion, reflecting a deep and sincere commitment. In the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of ἐκτενεία is illustrated in passages that encourage believers to engage in fervent prayer and love.

For example, in 1 Peter 4:8, the apostle Peter exhorts believers: "Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." Here, the underlying concept of ἐκτενεία is evident in the call to love deeply and earnestly, highlighting the transformative power of sincere love in the Christian community.

The use of ἐκτενεία in the New Testament underscores the importance of a heartfelt and genuine approach to one's faith and relationships. It calls believers to go beyond superficial actions and to engage with God and others with a full and earnest heart. This fervency is not merely emotional but is rooted in a deliberate and sustained commitment to live out one's faith with integrity and passion.

Forms and Transliterations

εκτενεια εκτενεία ἐκτενείᾳ ekteneia ekteneíāi

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 26:7 N-DFS
GRK: ἡμῶν ἐν ἐκτενείᾳ νύκτα καὶ
INT: of us in earnestness night and

Strong's Greek 1616
1 Occurrence

ἐκτενείᾳ — 1 Occ.