Brief Overview of ἕκαστος (Strong’s G1538: hekastos)

Introduction

Understanding the Greek word ἕκαστος (hekastos) is essential for those engaged in biblical studies. This word, meaning “each” or “every,” is used frequently in the New Testament and plays a crucial role in conveying individual responsibility and action within a collective context. Its significance lies in its ability to emphasize the importance of each person within a broader narrative, making it a key term for interpreting both doctrinal and ethical teachings in the New Testament. Additionally, the use of ἕκαστος sheds light on how ancient Greek culture understood individualism in relation to the collective, a concept that was also pivotal in early Christian thought.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἕκαστος (hekastos) [HEH-kas-tos]
• Etymology: The word derives from a compound of ἕκας (hekas), meaning “far off” or “apart,” and the pronoun τος (tos), which acts as an intensifier.
• Part of Speech: Pronoun, Adjective (Third declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Each: Refers to each individual member of a group, stressing the individuality within a collective.
• Every: Used to denote every single one of a group, emphasizing completeness.
• Every one: A variant use that combines the emphasis on individualism with the totality of a group.

Similar Words:

• ἕκαστος (hekastos) vs. πᾶς (pas): While ἕκαστος focuses on each individual within a group, πᾶς means “all” and is more general, emphasizing the whole rather than individual parts.
• ἕν (hen): Another similar word, meaning “one,” but ἕκαστος distinguishes itself by stressing individuality within a collective whole.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• ἕκαστος is a third declension adjective/pronoun, with a declension pattern that follows the typical structure of Greek adjectives. It can be declined in various cases (nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative) and numbers (singular and plural), adapting to the noun it describes.

Here is the declension of ἕκαστος:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon highlights ἕκαστος as a pronoun that underscores individual actions or responsibilities within a collective setting. This individual focus is often critical in passages dealing with moral and ethical decisions.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon notes that ἕκαστος emphasizes the significance of every single person in a group, often used in the context of judgment or reward, where each person is held accountable for their actions.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἕκαστος in terms of its usage in ethical teachings in the New Testament, where it often appears in conjunction with commands or expectations that apply to each member of the Christian community.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ provides examples from classical Greek literature, where ἕκαστος is used similarly to indicate each part of a whole, whether in physical, numerical, or metaphorical senses.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἕκαστος as appearing frequently in the New Testament, underscoring its importance in both didactic and narrative contexts. It is a word that is used to hold individuals accountable within the broader community of believers.

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 3:8: “Now he who plants and he who waters are one, but each (ἕκαστος) will receive his own reward according to his own labor.”
• Romans 14:12: “So then each (ἕκαστος) of us will give an account of himself to God.”
• Mark 13:34: “It is like a man going on a journey, who leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each (ἕκαστος) with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἕκαστος (G1538: hekastos)

The Greek word ἕκαστος is a significant term in the New Testament, emphasizing individual responsibility and action within a collective context. Its primary meanings revolve around the concept of “each” and “every,” making it a crucial word for understanding biblical passages that address personal accountability and the role of individuals within the community of faith. ἕκαστος appears frequently in key ethical and doctrinal passages, underlining its importance in New Testament teachings. Its usage in classical Greek literature also reflects a similar emphasis on individuality within a collective, providing a broader cultural context for its New Testament application.

Did You Know?

The word ἕκαστος was used not only in religious texts but also in legal and philosophical discussions in ancient Greece. It was a term that carried the weight of individual responsibility in various aspects of life, from warfare to civic duty. This highlights its deep-rooted significance in both ancient and biblical contexts.