Pronunciation Guide: hek-as’-to-te (accent on second syllable)
Basic Definition
Strong’s G1539: ἑκάστοτε (hekastote) refers to “each time,” “on every occasion,” or “always.” It conveys the idea of something occurring consistently at specific intervals or whenever a particular circumstance arises. This adverb emphasizes the regularity and reliability of an action that happens every time a certain condition is met.
Etymology and Morphology
- Adverb derived from ἕκαστος (hekastos), meaning “each one” or “every one”
- Compound of ἕκας (hekas, “each”) + ποτέ (pote, “when,” “at some time”)
- Primarily used in instructional and narrative contexts
- Appears only once in the New Testament (2 Peter 1:15)
- More common in classical Greek literature than biblical texts
ἑκάστοτε Morphology:
- ἑκάστοτε (adverbial form) – each time, on every occasion
- The word remains unchanged morphologically as it is an adverb
Origin & History
The term ἑκάστοτε has deep roots in classical Greek, appearing in the works of prominent authors such as Plato, Xenophon, and Aristotle. In Plato’s “Republic” (Book V), he uses ἑκάστοτε when discussing how citizens should act “on each occasion” according to the laws. Xenophon employs it in his “Memorabilia” when describing Socrates’ teaching methods that were adapted “each time” to the specific needs of his students.
In the Septuagint (LXX), while ἑκάστοτε itself is rare, its root word ἕκαστος appears frequently, particularly in legal and historical texts where precision regarding “each one” or “every individual” was necessary. This linguistic foundation laid the groundwork for the New Testament’s single but significant usage of ἑκάστοτε in 2 Peter, where it carries the weight of established Greek philosophical and literary tradition.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
- A recurring action that happens at regular intervals
- An expected response that occurs every time a specific situation arises
- A consistent pattern of behavior that can be counted on without fail
- A timely intervention that happens precisely when needed
ἑκάστοτε Translation Options:
- “Each time” – emphasizes the recurring nature of an event
- “On every occasion” – highlights the consistency across multiple instances
- “Always” – stresses the reliability and dependability of the occurrence
- “Whenever” – focuses on the conditional aspect of the action
- “Constantly” – underscores the persistent nature of the recurring action
Biblical Usage
The adverb ἑκάστοτε appears only once in the New Testament, in 2 Peter 1:15, where the apostle Peter expresses his commitment to ensure that his readers will be able to recall his teachings even after his departure. This singular usage carries significant weight, as it reveals Peter’s pastoral concern for consistent, reliable spiritual guidance that would be available to believers “each time” they needed it.
In wider Hellenistic literature contemporary with the New Testament, ἑκάστοτε often appears in contexts involving instruction, memory, and the transmission of important information. This aligns perfectly with Peter’s usage, as he emphasizes the importance of remembering apostolic teaching “on every occasion” it is needed for spiritual growth and protection against false teaching.
- “And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able each time [ἑκάστοτε] to recall these things.” 2 Peter 1:15
Cultural Insights
In the Greco-Roman educational system of the first century, the concept of ἑκάστοτε was closely tied to the practice of memorization and recitation. Teachers would expect their students to recall important lessons “each time” they were needed, without hesitation or error. This cultural context illuminates Peter’s use of ἑκάστοτε in his epistle, as he positioned himself as a spiritual teacher concerned with ensuring his disciples could reliably access his teachings after his departure.
The Jewish tradition of שִׁנּוּן (shinnun), or repetitive learning, also resonates with the concept of ἑκάστοτε. The commandment in Deuteronomy 6:7 to teach God’s words “diligently” to one’s children implies a continuous, recurring process of instruction—teaching them “each time” an opportunity arises. Peter, as a Jewish believer in the Messiah, would have naturally understood the importance of this repetitive, consistent approach to spiritual education.
Theological Significance
The use of ἑκάστοτε in 2 Peter 1:15 reveals a profound theological truth about God’s provision for His people. Just as Peter ensures his teachings will be available “each time” they are needed, so too does God provide for His children at precisely the right moments. This reflects the character of יהוה (Yahweh) as revealed in the Old Testament—a God who is consistently present and whose mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23).
The concept of ἑκάστοτε also points to the reliability of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Just as Peter’s teachings would be available “on every occasion,” the Scriptures and the Spirit’s illumination are consistently available to believers whenever they need direction, comfort, or correction. This reflects the Messiah’s promise that the Holy Spirit would “teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26)—a promise of divine guidance “each time” it is needed.
Personal Application
Understanding ἑκάστοτε invites us to reflect on the consistency of our own spiritual disciplines. Are we making ourselves available to receive God’s guidance “each time” we face decisions or challenges? Just as Peter made provisions for his readers to recall his teachings “on every occasion,” we too can develop habits of regular prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation that ensure we are prepared to access God’s wisdom whenever we need it.
Moreover, the concept of ἑκάστοτε encourages us to be reliable witnesses and teachers ourselves. In our families, communities, and congregations, we are called to be consistent examples of faith—people whose words and actions reliably reflect the Messiah’s character “each time” others encounter us. By embracing this principle, we participate in the same spiritual legacy that Peter sought to establish for his readers.
Related Words
- ἕκαστος (hekastos) – each one, every one; emphasizes individuality where ἑκάστοτε emphasizes timing and recurrence. See G1538
- πάντοτε (pantote) – always, at all times; broader in scope than ἑκάστοτε, referring to continuous rather than recurring action. See G3842
- ἀεί (aei) – always, ever, unceasingly; emphasizes perpetuity where ἑκάστοτε emphasizes specific instances. See G104
- ἐνίοτε (eniote) – sometimes, occasionally; contrasts with ἑκάστοτε by indicating sporadic rather than consistent occurrence. See G1771
- ὁσάκις (hosakis) – as often as, every time that; similar to ἑκάστοτε but with a more conditional connotation. See G3740
Did You Know?
- The adverb ἑκάστοτε appears extensively in ancient Greek medical texts, where physicians like Hippocrates and Galen used it to describe symptoms that occurred “each time” a patient was exposed to certain conditions or treatments. This technical usage may have influenced Peter’s precise choice of this term when discussing spiritual “remedies” for false teaching.
- In ancient Greek athletic training, coaches would use the concept of ἑκάστοτε to establish consistent practice routines that athletes would follow “on every occasion” of training. This disciplined approach mirrors the apostle Peter’s concern for consistent spiritual discipline in his second epistle, where he encourages believers to add virtues to their faith in a systematic way.
- Modern Greek still uses the word εκάστοτε (ekastote) in legal and administrative contexts, particularly in phrases like “ο εκάστοτε πρόεδρος” (the president at any given time) or “η εκάστοτε κυβέρνηση” (the government in power at any given time). This contemporary usage preserves the original sense of recurring instances across time that we find in the New Testament.
Remember This
ἑκάστοτε reminds us that God’s faithfulness isn’t occasional but recurring—He provides exactly what we need each time we need it, just as Peter ensured his teachings would be available whenever his readers required spiritual guidance.
