ἐκτεν-ής G1618
earnest, fervent, intense; marked by sustained devotion and heartfelt commitment
This adjective describes earnest, fervent, or intense devotion. In 1 Peter 4:8, it modifies love: "earnest love for one another." The term suggests love that is stretched out, sustained, unwavering—not casual or intermittent. Classical usage includes ideas of being warmly attached or assiduous. Peter urges a love that persists through difficulty, covering a multitude of sins. The multilingual glosses (ferviente, eifrig) emphasize the warmth and diligence of such love.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Earnest, fervent, characterized by sustained intensity and heartfelt commitment. In 1 Peter 4:8, Peter calls for earnest love among believers—love that is constant, wholehearted, and persevering. The adjective suggests love that is stretched out and sustained, not easily withdrawn. Such love is practical and powerful, covering a multitude of sins through patient forbearance and genuine care. 1×
AR["شَديدَةً"]·ben["গভীর"]·DE["eifrig"]·EN["earnest"]·FR["ἐκτενῆ"]·heb["נִמְרֶצֶת"]·HI["उत्कट"]·ID["sungguh-sungguh"]·IT["ektenē"]·jav["sanget"]·KO["뜨거운"]·PT["intenso"]·RU["усердную"]·ES["ferviente"]·SW["wa-bidii"]·TR["şiddetli"]·urd["شدید"]
Related Senses
H3808 1. simple negation (not) (4839×)G1722 1. locative: in, within (2442×)H1004b 1. house, dwelling, building (2015×)G3756 1. not (negation particle) (1635×)H4480a 1. source or separation (1198×)H5892b 1. city, town (1093×)G1519 1. direction: into, to, toward (1061×)H3427 1. Qal: to dwell, inhabit (937×)G1537 1. from, out of (source/origin) (886×)H8034 1. Name (designation / identifier) (856×)G3361 1. subjective negation (not) (834×)G1909 1. on, upon (spatial surface) (757×)H0369 1. existential negation: there is not (738×)H5869a 1. in the eyes/sight of (evaluative) (734×)H5650 1. Servant, attendant, subject (723×)H0408 1. prohibitive negation do-not (712×)G2443 1. so that, in order that (purpose/result) (665×)G0575 1. from (649×)G1223 1. through, by means of (582×)H3541 1. thus, so, in this manner (569×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
ἐκτεν-ής, ές, strained: hence of persons, warmly attached, friendly, Refs 5th c.BC+; assiduous, περί τινα Refs 2nd c.BC+: comparative - έστερος τῇ προθυμίᾳ Refs 2nd c.BC+: superlative - εστάτη προθυμία Refs 3rd c.BC+ __2 extended, Refs 5th c.AD+; capable of extension, ἐ. ἐστι τὸ μεταδίδον τῶν ἑαυτοῦ καὶ τοῖς ἄλλοις Refs 5th c.AD+ __3 abundant, γάλα Refs 2nd c.AD+ __II adverb -νῶς (Elean ἐκτενέωρ…