Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it allows for a deeper comprehension of the original texts of the New Testament. The phrase εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς (heis kath’ heis) is particularly interesting because it combines numerical and prepositional elements to convey a specific way of organizing or doing something, usually implying “one by one” or “each one.” This phrase, though simple, has significant implications in understanding the structure of passages and the methodical approach described in various contexts. Its usage extends beyond mere enumeration, often emphasizing orderliness and individuality within a collective action.

Key Information

• Greek Word: εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς (heis kath’ heis) [hays kath-ees]
• Etymology:
• εἷς (heis): The Greek word for “one.”
• καθ᾽ (kath’): A contraction of the preposition κατά (kata), meaning “according to” or “by.”
• Part of Speech: Numeral phrase used as an adverbial phrase.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• One by One: The phrase εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς is primarily used to describe an action carried out individually in sequence, emphasizing a step-by-step approach.
• Individually: It can also be used to stress the individuality of participants or elements within a group, often in contexts where precision or careful attention is required.

Similar Words:

• ἕκαστος (hekastos) [hek-as-tos]: Meaning “each” or “every,” it similarly emphasizes individuality but does not inherently convey the sequential nature that εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς does.
• ἀναμέσον (anameson) [an-am-es-on]: Meaning “between” or “among,” it highlights separation or distinction but without the same numerical emphasis as εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• Numerical Construction: The phrase is a combination of the numeral εἷς, meaning “one,” and the preposition καθ᾽, which indicates sequence or order when paired with the numeral. This construction is common in Greek to express step-by-step processes or orderly actions.
• Emphasis on Order: The use of καθ᾽ with εἷς emphasizes not just the individual nature of the action but also the order in which it is performed, a concept important in both legal and ceremonial contexts.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG explains εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς as a phrase used to express methodical action, especially in contexts where careful attention to sequence is necessary. The phrase is also noted for its use in describing procedures that involve individual participation, such as counting or judging.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Lexicon highlights that εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς is often used in passages emphasizing orderly conduct, particularly in communal or religious settings. The phrase can indicate a procedure that requires each person or item to be dealt with separately and sequentially.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes the importance of εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς in contexts where the individual action of participants is significant. It is often contrasted with collective actions, where the emphasis is on the group rather than the individual.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ points out the phrase’s usage in classical Greek literature, where it often appears in contexts requiring methodical or procedural actions, such as in legal or military settings. The phrase emphasizes not just individuality but also the importance of sequence.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s identifies εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς under G1527, focusing on its use to describe sequential actions performed individually. It is a phrase that underscores the importance of individual participation in a collective process.

Scripture References:

• Mark 14:19: “They began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one (εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς), Is it I?”
• 1 Corinthians 14:31: “For ye may all prophesy one by one (εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς), that all may learn, and all may be comforted.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς (G1527: heis kath’ heis)

The phrase εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς (heis kath’ heis) is a versatile and significant phrase in both New Testament and classical Greek literature. It translates to “one by one,” and it emphasizes orderly, sequential actions, often within a group setting. Understanding this phrase is important for interpreting texts where the focus is on individual participation or actions carried out in a specific order. Its usage across different contexts—from religious ceremonies to military strategies—underscores its importance in conveying methodical precision and individualized attention.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek rituals, the phrase εἷς καθ᾽ εἷς was often used to describe participants approaching altars or sacred spaces in a specified order, reflecting the importance of individual roles within collective worship.