### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ekténeia**, represented by `{{G1616}}`, signifies **intentness**. It is derived from a word meaning intentness and is translated in its only scriptural appearance as "instantly." This rare term appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, highlighting a specific quality of devoted action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G1616}}` is found in [[Acts 26:7]], where Paul describes the spiritual posture of the Israelite people. He explains that "our twelve tribes" `{{G1429}}`, by **instantly** serving God day and night, hope to attain the promise made to them. Here, the word conveys a sense of earnest, focused, and unceasing worship. Their service is not casual but is performed with a powerful **intentness** as they await the fulfillment of God's promise.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its context help clarify the meaning of this intent service:
* `{{G3000}}` **latreúō** (to serve, do the service, worship(-per)): This is the specific action performed with **ekténeia**. It refers to the religious homage rendered to God by the twelve tribes [[Acts 26:7]].
* `{{G1679}}` **elpízō** (to expect or confide): This verb describes the hope that motivates the intense service. The tribes "hope to come" to the promise, which fuels their devotion [[Acts 26:7]].
* `{{G1680}}` **elpís** (expectation... or confidence): The noun form of hope, which Paul identifies as the very reason he is being accused before King Agrippa, further underscoring its central importance [[Acts 26:7]].
* `{{G2658}}` **katantáō** (to meet against, i.e. arrive at): This word defines the goal of their hope-filled service, which is to "attain" or "come" to the promised inheritance [[Acts 26:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1616}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, providing a key insight into the nature of faithful worship.
* **Constant Devotion:** Paired with "day and night," the term emphasizes that true service to God is characterized by continuous, focused, and earnest effort [[Acts 26:7]].
* **Hope-Fueled Service:** The **intentness** of their worship is not a work in itself but is driven by the "hope" for a divine promise. This directly links fervent devotion to a confident expectation in God's faithfulness.
* **Collective Aspiration:** The term is used to describe the entire commonwealth of Israel ("our twelve tribes"), showing that this posture of intense waiting and worship was a defining spiritual characteristic of God's people.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G1616}}` is one of the rarest words in the New Testament, its sole use is highly significant. It defines a quality of service that is marked by profound **intentness**. This focused devotion, seen in the constant worship of the twelve tribes, is presented as being fueled by a deep and abiding hope in the promises of God. It teaches that faithful service is not merely a repeated action but a state of earnest and expectant hearts fixed on God's fulfillment.
TRV