as if from ἕκαστος and τότε; at every time:--always.
Transliteration:hekástote
Pronunciation:hek-as'-tot-eh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb hekástote (`{{G1539}}`) is a compound word derived from hekastos (`{{G1538}}`), meaning "each" or "every," and tote (`{{G5119}}`), meaning "then" or "at that time." This etymological foundation precisely conveys its core meaning: "at every time," "on each occasion," or "always." It denotes a sense of regularity, consistency, and continuous action, emphasizing that something occurs not merely sometimes, but habitually or whenever the conditions are met. Its semantic range is narrow, focusing almost exclusively on this aspect of temporal persistence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word hekástote (`{{G1539}}`) appears infrequently in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant:
* **[[2 Peter 1:12]]**: "Therefore I will always be ready to remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the truth which is present with you."
* Here, hekástote describes the apostle Peter's consistent and persistent commitment to instruct and remind his readers of the foundational truths of the faith. Even though they are already knowledgeable and grounded, Peter sees it as his ongoing duty to reinforce these truths. The "always" signifies a continuous pastoral vigilance and a readiness to teach whenever the opportunity arises or whenever it is deemed necessary. It underscores the importance of continual spiritual nourishment and remembrance.
* **[[Hebrews 9:6]]**: "Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing the sacred services."
* In this context, hekástote characterizes the routine and repeated actions of the priests in the earthly tabernacle/temple. The priests "regularly" or "continually" entered the outer sanctuary to perform their prescribed duties, which included daily sacrifices and rituals. This highlights the incessant, repetitive nature of the Old Covenant cultic system, where atonement and sanctification required constant, ongoing performance of rites. This regularity stands in stark contrast to the singular, definitive sacrifice of Christ described later in the epistle.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological components of hekástote (`{{G1539}}`) are key to understanding its nuance:
* hekastos (`{{G1538}}`): "each, every" – contributes the distributive aspect, implying individual instances or occurrences.
* tote (`{{G5119}}`): "then, at that time" – provides the temporal framework.
Other Greek words conveying "always" or "continually" include:
* aiei (`{{G104}}`): "always, ever," often implying an unbroken continuum.
* pantote (`{{G3842}}`): "always, at all times," from pas (`{{G3956}}`) "all" and tote (`{{G5119}}`) "then." This is a close synonym, perhaps emphasizing "all times" more broadly than "each time."
* dia pantos: A phrase meaning "through all [time]," also rendered "always."
The concept of hekástote is closely related to themes of:
* **Persistence and Diligence**: As seen in Peter's commitment.
* **Regularity and Habit**: Describing the priests' duties.
* **Continuity**: Emphasizing an ongoing state or action.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hekástote (`{{G1539}}`) emerges powerfully from its specific biblical contexts:
In [[2 Peter 1:12]], Peter's "always" reminding his audience of the truth highlights the *ongoing necessity of spiritual instruction and remembrance* for believers. It underscores that spiritual growth and steadfastness are not a one-time event but require continual grounding in the divine revelation. This reflects the consistent and diligent nature of true pastoral care, which seeks to establish believers firmly in the faith through repeated emphasis on core doctrines. It also implicitly points to the persistent nature of God's truth, which is always relevant and always needs to be apprehended.
In [[Hebrews 9:6]], the "regular" or "continual" entry of the priests into the sanctuary serves a crucial theological purpose within the Epistle to the Hebrews. This incessant activity underscores the *incompleteness and temporary nature of the Old Covenant sacrificial system*. The fact that priests had to perform their duties "at every time" or "continually" signifies that the sacrifices they offered could never definitively and permanently cleanse sins. This constant repetition, necessitated by the enduring reality of human sin and the limitations of animal blood, sets the stage for the unparalleled, "once for all" sacrifice of Jesus Christ ([[Hebrews 7:27]], [[Hebrews 9:12]], [[Hebrews 10:10]]). Thus, hekástote here functions as a stark contrastive element, highlighting the inadequacy of the shadow in anticipation of the perfect reality in Christ.
### Summary
Hekástote (`{{G1539}}`) is a Greek adverb meaning "at every time" or "always," emphasizing regularity and consistency. Its two New Testament occurrences provide distinct yet profound theological insights. In [[2 Peter 1:12]], it describes Peter's unwavering commitment to continually remind believers of foundational truths, underscoring the persistent nature of pastoral care and spiritual growth. In [[Hebrews 9:6]], it depicts the unending, repetitive rituals of the Old Covenant priesthood, serving to highlight the inherent limitations and temporary nature of that system, thereby accentuating the singular, definitive, and eternally efficacious sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The word, though rare, powerfully conveys the concept of ongoing action, whether in the context of human faithfulness or the divine economy of salvation.
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