Lexical Summary heis kath heis: One by one Original Word: εἷς καθ' εἷς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance one by one. From heis repeated with kata inserted; severally -- one by one. see GREEK heis see GREEK kata NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsee heis and kata. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Εἷς καθ' εἷς (“one by one,” “each in turn”) expresses orderly succession and individual participation. While the phrase is not indexed under a single lexical form in most Greek New Testament concordances, its sense permeates several passages that emphasize personal responsibility within a corporate setting. Biblical Background 1 Corinthians 14:31 supplies the clearest parallel: “For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged”. Here Paul establishes a pattern for congregational life in which spiritual gifts are exercised sequentially rather than simultaneously, preserving clarity and edification. Though the exact compound εἷς καθ' εἷς is not logged separately, the idea reappears conceptually in the instructions for tongue-speakers and interpreters (1 Corinthians 14:27) and in Paul’s discussion of orderly giving (2 Corinthians 9:7) where individual intent governs collective generosity. Patterns of Individual Contribution and Accountability 1. Worship: Paul’s “one by one” guideline guards against confusion, ensuring that prophetic revelation builds up the body instead of drawing attention to the speaker (1 Corinthians 14:26-33). Orderly Worship and Ministry Applications • Prophecy and teaching should be scheduled so that every voice can be heard distinctly, fostering learning rather than spectacle. Historical Use in Early Church Teaching Patristic writers cite Paul’s instructions to defend liturgical order against ecstatic excesses. Chrysostom, commenting on 1 Corinthians 14, notes that God is “not the author of confusion,” insisting that orderly speech protects both the integrity of doctrine and the conscience of hearers. The Didache’s call for prophets to speak “as long as they have the Lord” but with discernment echoes the same restraint. Theological Reflections on Personal Responsibility Scripture consistently weaves the corporate and the individual. Salvation is experienced personally (Acts 16:31) yet lived out in fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). The “one by one” principle dignifies each believer’s contribution while acknowledging Christ as the common Head (Ephesians 4:15-16). It safeguards against clerical domination and chaotic egalitarianism alike, anchoring ministry in Spirit-directed order. Practical Ministry Implications Today • Small-group studies can allocate time slots for sharing, mirroring Paul’s counsel. Examples in Other Ancient Literature Classical Greek authors use κατ' ἕνα (a variant expression) for soldiers marching “one by one,” underscoring disciplined movement. Jewish writings speak of priests entering “each in his turn,” a backdrop that would resonate with first-century readers familiar with temple service cycles. Conclusion Εἷς καθ' εἷς crystallizes a biblical rhythm: personal involvement governed by love and order. When embraced, it magnifies Christ, nurtures maturity, and maintains harmony within the body of believers. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance εἰσῆλθεν — 43 Occ.εἰσῆλθες — 2 Occ. εἰσήλθομεν — 2 Occ. εἰσῆλθον — 12 Occ. εἰσεληλύθασιν — 1 Occ. εἰσεληλύθατε — 1 Occ. εἰσελεύσεσθαι — 1 Occ. εἰσελεύσεται — 3 Occ. εἰσελεύσομαι — 1 Occ. εἰσελεύσονται — 5 Occ. εἰσελθάτω — 1 Occ. εἴσελθε — 4 Occ. εἰσέλθῃ — 9 Occ. εἰσέλθῃς — 4 Occ. εἰσέλθητε — 10 Occ. εἰσελθεῖν — 36 Occ. εἰσέλθωμεν — 1 Occ. εἰσελθὼν — 20 Occ. εἰσέλθωσιν — 2 Occ. εἰσελθόντα — 4 Occ. |
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