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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial in biblical studies as they often carry nuanced meanings that provide deeper insights into the scriptures. The Greek word ἐφάπαξ (ephapax, Strong’s G2178) is particularly significant due to its use in the New Testament to convey the concept of something happening “once for all” or “in a single occurrence.” This word is essential for interpreting key theological concepts, such as the unique and singular nature of Christ’s sacrifice. Its study also reveals the richness of Greek expressions in both ancient texts and Christian doctrinal development.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐφάπαξ (ephapax) [e-FA-paks]
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning “upon” or “on”) and ἅπαξ (hapax, meaning “once” or “a single time”), together forming the concept of “once for all” or “once and never again.”
- Part of Speech: Adverb.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Once for all: Indicates an action that is completed in a single occurrence, without the need for repetition.
- One time only: Emphasizes the singularity of an event.
Similar Words: ἅπαξ (hapax) [HA-paks], which also means “once” or “one time,” but without the compounded emphasis provided by the prefix ἐπί. The difference between ἅπαξ and ἐφάπαξ is that the latter conveys a stronger sense of finality and completeness in the action, implying that it covers all needs or requirements.
Further Insights: The word ἐφάπαξ is an adverb, which means it modifies verbs to specify the manner, time, or frequency of an action. In this case, it stresses the uniqueness and sufficiency of a single occurrence. Unlike verbs or nouns that have declensions or conjugations, adverbs like ἐφάπαξ remain unchanged in form.
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines ἐφάπαξ as “once for all” or “in one act,” emphasizing its use in theological contexts, particularly in Hebrews, to denote the completeness and sufficiency of Christ’s sacrificial act.
- Thayer’s: Explains ἐφάπαξ as “once for all time,” highlighting its application in contexts where an action does not need to be repeated. Thayer’s notes its relevance in discussions about the finality of Christ’s work on the cross.
- Vine’s: States that ἐφάπαξ is used to emphasize the singular and unique nature of an event. Vine’s focuses on its theological implications, particularly in relation to the Atonement.
- LSJ: In the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, ἐφάπαξ is described as “once and only once” or “once for all,” noting its frequent usage in legal and philosophical texts to describe actions that are done conclusively.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Simply defines ἐφάπαξ as “once,” and notes that it is a strengthened form of ἅπαξ, with a focus on the completeness and singularity of an action.
Related Scripture References
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- Hebrews 7:27 – “He does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all [ἐφάπαξ] when He offered up Himself.”
- Hebrews 9:12 – “He entered once for all [ἐφάπαξ] into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.”
- Hebrews 10:10 – “And by that will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all [ἐφάπαξ].”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | “Phaedo” | “Let us deal with this issue ἐφάπαξ (once and for all) to avoid further confusion.” |
| Aristotle | “Nicomachean Ethics” | “The decision was made ἐφάπαξ (once for all), ensuring there would be no more debates.” |
| Polybius | “Histories” | “The treaty was signed ἐφάπαξ (once and never again) to signify lasting peace.” |
| Septuagint | “Wisdom of Solomon 18:22” | “For thy Almighty hand, that made the world of matter without form, did not bring the whole force of its wrath upon them at ἐφάπαξ (once).” |
| Septuagint | “Judith 16:12” | “But the sons of the handmaids pierced them through and wounded them as fugitives’ children: they perished by the stroke of the Lord ἐφάπαξ (once and for all).” |
| Septuagint | “Sirach 11:27” | “In the day of prosperity, adversities are forgotten; and in the day of adversity, prosperity is not remembered ἐφάπαξ (once).” |
Summary of ἐφάπαξ (G2178: ephapax)
The Greek word ἐφάπαξ (ephapax, Strong’s G2178) is an adverb meaning “once for all” or “one time only.” It is primarily used in theological contexts within the New Testament to emphasize the completeness, sufficiency, and finality of an action, particularly regarding the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Its usage in classical Greek and the Septuagint also conveys the idea of an action that is definitive and does not require repetition. Understanding ἐφάπαξ enriches our interpretation of key theological passages and provides a deeper appreciation of the emphatic expressions in both ancient Greek texts and the Bible.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the term ἐφάπαξ (ephapax) is often used in modern legal and contractual language in Greece to signify a “one-time payment” or “lump sum”? This reflects its original meaning of an action completed in a single instance, emphasizing its final and complete nature.
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