fûr´vent ( דּלק , dālaḳ ; ἐκτενής , ektenḗs , ζέω , zéō ): "Fervent" (from Latin fervere , "to boil") does not occur in the King James Version of the Old Testament, but the Revised Version (British and American) gives it as the translation of dālaḳ , "to burn" (Proverbs 26:23 ), instead of "burning," "fervent lips and a wicked heart." In the New Testament it is the translation of ektenēs , "stretched out," hence, intent, earnest (1 Peter 4:8 , "being fervent in your love among yourselves"); of zeō , "to boil," "to be hot" (Romans 12:11 , "fervent in spirit," Acts 18:25 ); of zḗlos , "zeal," "fervor" (2 Corinthians 7:7 , the Revised Version (British and American) "zeal"), in James 5:16 the King James Version has: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much," where the Greek is: polú ischúei déēsis dikaı́ou energouménē , which the Revised Version (British and American) renders, "The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working."
"Fervently" is the translation of agonı́zomai , "to strive or struggle" (agonize), Colossians 4:12 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "Epaphras ... striving for you in his prayers"; of ektenṓs , literally, in an outstretched manner (1 Peter 1:22 , the Revised Version (British and American) "Love one another from the heart fervently"; compare 1 Peter 4:8 , "fervent in your love among yourselves"). Christian love too often lacks this fervency , but Christ's love for us was "stretched out" to the uttermost.
The Revised Version (British and American) has "fervently" for "earnestly" (James 5:17 , margin "with prayer").
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
Read More