Lexical Summary ephapax: Once for all, once Original Word: ἐφάπαξ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance once for all. From epi and hapax; upon one occasion (only) -- (at) once (for all). see GREEK epi see GREEK hapax NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and hapax Definition once for all NASB Translation once for all (4), one time (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2178: ἐφάπαξἐφάπαξ (Treg. in Heb. ἐφ' ἅπαξ; cf. Lipsius, gram. Unters., p. 127), adverb (from ἐπί and ἅπαξ (cf. Winers Grammar, 422 (393); Buttmann, 321 (275))), once; at once i. e. a. our all at once: 1 Corinthians 15:6. b. our once for all: Romans 6:10; Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 10:10. (Lucian, Dio Cassius, others.) Topical Lexicon Scope of the TermStrong’s 2178 occurs five times in the Greek New Testament and is consistently used to spotlight an act that needs no repetition. Whether describing Christ’s atoning death, His resurrection appearances, or the believer’s sanctification, the word marks an event whose efficacy is complete and whose results are enduring. New Testament Distribution These references may be grouped under two broad themes: (1) the once-for-all character of Christ’s redemptive work (Romans and Hebrews) and (2) the singular, definitive nature of His post-resurrection manifestation (1 Corinthians). Pauline Emphasis: Death and Life in Romans In Romans 6:10 the apostle contrasts the finality of Christ’s death with the unending vitality of His resurrection life: “The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God”. Here the term secures the believer’s assurance that sin’s dominion has been decisively overthrown. Because the death is non-repeatable, the believer’s union with Christ is likewise secure, providing the foundation for progressive sanctification (Romans 6:11–14). Resurrection Witness in 1 Corinthians Paul recalls that the risen Lord “appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time” (1 Corinthians 15:6). The mass appearance grounds the historical reliability of the resurrection and underscores its unrepeatable nature. The single occasion suffices to confirm both the reality of the resurrection body and the future hope of bodily resurrection for all who belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20–23). The Letter to the Hebrews: Climactic Fulfillment Hebrews concentrates three occurrences of the term on Christ’s high-priestly ministry. Hebrews 7:27: “He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.” Hebrews 9:12: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” Hebrews 10:10: “By that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Taken together, these verses unveil a threefold testimony: 1. A single, self-offered sacrifice replaces the entire ceremonial system. Contrast with Repetitive Old Covenant Rituals Hebrews frequently juxtaposes daily and annual Levitical sacrifices with the solitary act of the Messiah. The former were many, the latter is one; the former could never perfect the conscience, the latter “cleanses our consciences from dead works” (Hebrews 9:14). In this contrast, the term functions as a theological hinge between covenants: one sacrifice inaugurates the new and closes the old. Assurance and Perseverance Because redemption, cleansing, and sanctification are presented as accomplished in a single, definitive act, believers are invited to rest in finished grace. This confidence fuels perseverance: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess” (Hebrews 10:19, 23). Assurance is not grounded in repeated human effort but in the once-for-all efficacy of Christ’s work. Implications for Ministry and Worship 1. Preaching: The term calls pastors to proclaim a finished salvation rather than a probationary one. Historical Reception Early church fathers such as Athanasius and Augustine cited Hebrews 9:12 to defend the sufficiency of the cross against any notion of recurring propitiatory rites. The Reformers drew upon the same passages to repudiate beliefs that obscured the finality of Calvary. Throughout church history, creeds and confessions have echoed the refrain that Christ “suffered once for sins” (1 Peter 3:18), a doctrinal line traceable to the word under study. Intertextual Echoes and Eschatological Hope The definitive victory achieved “once for all” reverberates toward the consummation. Because redemption is irrevocably secured, the future is certain: “Christ… will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him” (Hebrews 9:28). The singular past act guarantees the glorious future act. Concluding Reflection Every occurrence of Strong’s 2178 drives home the Bible’s message that God’s saving work in Christ is complete, final, and sufficient. The believer’s task is not to replicate but to trust, obey, and proclaim the once-for-all achievement that secures eternal redemption and unshakable hope. Forms and Transliterations εφαπαξ εφάπαξ ἐφάπαξ εφαπτόμενοι εφαπτόμενος εφείλκυσαν εφέλκηται εφελκυσθώσι ephapax ephápaxLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 6:10 AdvGRK: ἁμαρτίᾳ ἀπέθανεν ἐφάπαξ ὃ δὲ NAS: to sin once for all; but the life KJV: he died unto sin once: but in that INT: to sin he died once for all that moreover 1 Corinthians 15:6 Adv Hebrews 7:27 Adv Hebrews 9:12 Adv Hebrews 10:10 Adv |
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