Brief Overview of ἑκάστοτε (Strong’s G1539: hekastote)

Introduction

The Greek word ἑκάστοτε (hekastote) is an adverb that plays a significant role in both biblical and classical Greek literature. Understanding such words is crucial for scholars, theologians, and anyone interested in biblical studies, as it helps in grasping the nuances of the text. ἑκάστοτε is particularly important in its ability to express actions or situations that occur repeatedly or in a continuous manner. This word contributes to our understanding of temporal aspects in biblical narratives and is valuable for interpreting New Testament texts where the continuity of an action is emphasized. Additionally, ἑκάστοτε offers insight into ancient Greek culture, especially in how time and recurrence were conceptualized.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: ἑκάστοτε (hekastote) [heh-KAH-sto-teh]
• Etymology: The word is derived from ἕκαστος (hekastos), meaning “each,” combined with the suffix -τε (te), which serves to form adverbs of time or manner, thereby giving the sense of “each time” or “on each occasion.”
• Part of Speech: Adverb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Each time: Refers to an action or event occurring at every individual instance.
• Whenever: Used to describe an occurrence that happens repeatedly under certain conditions.
• On each occasion: Similar to “each time,” but with an emphasis on the distinctness of each event.

Similar Words:

• πάντοτε (pantote): Means “always” or “at all times.” While πάντοτε suggests continuous action without interruption, ἑκάστοτε emphasizes each individual instance of an action.
• ἄχρι (achri): This word means “until” and is used to indicate the endpoint of an action or time period, contrasting with ἑκάστοτε, which focuses on the repetition or recurrence of an event.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• ἑκάστοτε is an adverb formed from the adjective ἕκαστος (each) and the adverbial suffix -τε. Its construction is straightforward, with no complex morphological variations, making it a stable word in the language.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon notes that ἑκάστοτε is an adverb used to indicate actions or events that occur repeatedly or on every occasion. It is particularly useful in narrative texts where the emphasis is on the recurring nature of an event.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights the use of ἑκάστοτε in contexts where each instance of an event is important. This adverb often appears in sentences where the regularity or recurrence of an action is being emphasized.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἑκάστοτε in relation to other adverbs of time, emphasizing its role in denoting specific repeated actions rather than continuous, unbroken actions.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ provides classical examples of ἑκάστοτε, showing its use in literature to describe events that happen at each successive time, often in a habitual or expected manner.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἑκάστοτε as an adverb that frequently appears in contexts of repeated actions or events, particularly where the focus is on each individual occurrence rather than the action as a whole.

Scripture References:

• Luke 9:23: “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily (ἑκάστοτε), and follow me.”
• 1 Corinthians 14:26: “How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἑκάστοτε (G1539: hekastote)

The Greek adverb ἑκάστοτε (hekastote) plays a vital role in both New Testament writings and classical Greek literature. It emphasizes actions or events that occur repeatedly or on each occasion, offering a nuanced understanding of how time and recurrence are presented in the Greek language. Whether used in a narrative to describe habitual actions or in an instruction to emphasize the importance of consistency, ἑκάστοτε provides a linguistic tool that helps convey the regularity and importance of individual events. Its usage in the New Testament, particularly in ethical teachings, underscores the significance of persistent and recurring actions in the life of believers.

Did You Know?

The word ἑκάστοτε is closely related to ἕκαστος (each), highlighting the Greek language’s ability to create adverbs that precisely indicate repeated or regular actions. This specificity in language reflects the ancient Greek focus on the distinctiveness of each event or action within the flow of time, a concept that influenced various aspects of their philosophy and daily life.