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.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ἐκτείνω (ekteinō), meaning "to stretch out" or "to extend."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of fervency or earnestness is תְּחִנָּה (teḥinnah), which refers to supplication or earnest prayer.

Usage: The term "ekteneia" conveys a sense of intense earnestness or fervency, often in the context of prayer or love. It suggests a stretching out of oneself in devotion or commitment, reflecting a deep, sincere, and persistent effort.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of earnestness or fervency was highly valued, especially in philosophical and religious contexts. The idea of stretching oneself in devotion was seen as a virtue, reflecting a person's dedication and sincerity. In the early Christian community, fervency was particularly associated with prayer and love, emphasizing the importance of a heartfelt and persistent approach to one's faith and relationships.

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

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).)

earnestness, intentness

From ektenes; intentness -- X instantly.

see GREEK ektenes

εκτενεια εκτενεία ἐκτενείᾳ ekteneia ekteneíāiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts