### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἐκτενέστερον (ektenésteron, `{{G1617}}`) is the neuter comparative form of the adjective ἐκτενής (ektenēs, `{{G1618}}`). Its core meaning denotes an increased degree of intensity, earnestness, or fervor. While ἐκτενής itself means "stretched out," "strained," or "intense," the comparative ἐκτενέστερον specifically conveys "more intently," "more earnestly," or "with greater intensity." The underlying imagery is one of full exertion, unremitting effort, or a profound stretching of one's being towards a particular action or state. Thus, its semantic range encompasses a heightened degree of zeal, concentration, diligence, and fervent commitment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐκτενέστερον (ektenésteron, `{{G1617}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence is profoundly significant, found in the account of Jesus' agony in Gethsemane:
* **[[Luke 22:44]]**: "And being in agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
* In this pivotal passage, Luke describes the unparalleled intensity of Jesus' prayer as He faced the imminent crucifixion and the bearing of the world's sin. The phrase "prayed more earnestly" (προσηύχετο ἐκτενέστερον) underscores the extreme spiritual and emotional distress Christ experienced. The comparative "more earnestly" suggests a level of fervent petition beyond what one might normally expect, even from the Son of God. It highlights a moment of profound human struggle and absolute reliance on the Father, where every fiber of His being was stretched out in supplication. The physical manifestation of His agony – sweat like drops of blood – further emphasizes the extraordinary nature of His earnestness and the depth of His suffering. This single usage powerfully conveys the ultimate example of fervent, desperate prayer in the face of overwhelming trial and divine purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἐκτενέστερον (ektenésteron, `{{G1617}}`) is illuminated by its relationship to its root and other words conveying intensity and diligence:
* **ἐκτενής (ektenēs, `{{G1618}}`)**: This adjective, from which ἐκτενέστερον is derived, means "earnest," "fervent," or "constant." It is used to describe prayer (e.g., [[Acts 12:5]], "earnest prayer" for Peter) and love (e.g., [[1 Peter 4:8]], "fervent love" for one another). The comparative form `{{G1617}}` thus indicates an even greater degree of this "stretched out" or "intense" quality.
* **προσευχή (proseuchē, `{{G4335}}`)** and **δέησις (deēsis, `{{G1162}}`)**: These terms for "prayer" and "supplication" are the actions that ἐκτενέστερον modifies, emphasizing the manner in which such prayers are offered – with profound earnestness and intensity.
* **ἀγών (agōn, `{{G73}}`)** and **ἀγωνία (agōnia, `{{G74}}`)**: The context of [[Luke 22:44]] states Jesus was "in agony" (ἐν ἀγωνίᾳ). This word signifies a struggle, contest, or intense mental anguish. The "more earnest" prayer is directly linked to this internal spiritual battle, demonstrating that fervent prayer is often the response to deep spiritual conflict.
* **ζέω (zeō, `{{G2204}}`)**: Meaning "to boil" or "to be fervent," as in "fervent in spirit" ([[Romans 12:11]]), this word shares the semantic domain of intense spiritual zeal, though ἐκτενέστερον specifically points to the *degree* of that fervor.
* **σπουδή (spoudē, `{{G4710}}`)**: This noun signifies "haste," "diligence," or "earnestness." While broader in application, it overlaps with the idea of committed effort inherent in ἐκτενέστερον.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐκτενέστερον (ektenésteron, `{{G1617}}`) in [[Luke 22:44]] carries immense theological weight, primarily revealing profound truths about Christ, prayer, and human suffering:
1. **The Humanity and Submission of Christ**: This word highlights the depth of Jesus' human experience. Despite His divine nature, He fully embraced the human condition, including the capacity for intense suffering and the need for fervent prayer. His "more earnest" prayer demonstrates His perfect submission to the Father's will, even when that will entailed unimaginable agony. It reveals that His path to the cross was not one of passive resignation but of active, agonizing, and earnest consent.
2. **The Nature of Prayer in Crisis**: Jesus' example in Gethsemane sets a profound precedent for believers. When facing overwhelming trials, spiritual warfare, or the weight of divine calling, prayer should not be casual but "more earnestly" – with heightened intensity, focus, and unwavering determination. It underscores that true prayer is often a wrestling, a fervent outpouring of the soul before God.
3. **The Cost of Atonement**: The intensity of Jesus' prayer, coupled with the physical manifestation of His agony, points to the immense spiritual cost of the atonement. His earnestness in Gethsemane was part of His suffering for humanity's redemption, a prelude to the cross where He would fully bear the sin of the world.
4. **A Model for Believers**: Christ's "more earnest" prayer serves as an enduring model for discipleship. It calls believers to a deeper, more committed, and persistent prayer life, especially when facing spiritual challenges or seeking God's will in difficult circumstances. It reminds us that even in our weakness, we are called to stretch out our souls to God with all possible earnestness.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐκτενέστερον (ektenésteron, `{{G1617}}`) means "more earnestly" or "with greater intensity," derived from the root meaning of "stretched out" or "strained." Its sole, yet profoundly significant, occurrence in [[Luke 22:44]] describes Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, emphasizing the unparalleled fervor and agony with which He communed with the Father. This unique usage reveals the depth of Christ's human struggle, His perfect submission to divine will, and the intense spiritual cost of atonement. Theologically, it stands as a powerful testament to the nature of fervent prayer in times of extreme crisis, offering believers a timeless model for earnest and persistent supplication, urging them to engage with God with heightened intensity and unwavering commitment, especially when facing profound spiritual challenges.
TRV