The Greek phrase heîs kath' heîs, represented by G1527, means one by one. It is formed from the word εἷς repeated, with κατά inserted in the middle. Though specific, it appears only 2 times across 2 unique verses in scripture, where it signifies a sequential, individual action.
In its biblical occurrences, G1527 marks moments of personal response to Jesus. In John's gospel, after Jesus confronts the accusers of a woman caught in adultery, they, "being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one" John 8:9. The phrase describes their sequential departure, beginning with the eldest. In Mark's account of the Last Supper, upon learning of a betrayer in their midst, the disciples "began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I?" Mark 14:19, highlighting their individual and orderly self-questioning.
Several related words illuminate the contexts in which heîs kath' heîs appears:
- G1651 elénchō (to confute, admonish): This word is central to the accusers' departure, as they were "convicted" by their conscience John 8:9. It is used elsewhere to describe the work of sound doctrine, which is able "to convince the gainsayers" Titus 1:9.
- G3076 lypéō (to be sad): This describes the emotional state of the disciples who, one by one, questioned Jesus. The term warns believers not to "grieve not the holy Spirit of God" Ephesians 4:30.
- G1831 exérchomai (to issue): This verb describes the action of the accusers who "went out" sequentially John 8:9. It is also used to call believers to holiness, urging them to "come out from among them, and be ye separate" 2 Corinthians 6:17.
- G1473 egṓ (I): This pronoun is the core of the disciples' sorrowful question, "Is it I?" Mark 14:19. It is the same emphatic word Jesus uses to declare his divine identity, as in, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" John 14:6.
The theological weight of G1527 is found in its emphasis on individuality in moments of divine encounter.
- Individual Conviction: The phrase highlights moments of personal reckoning. The accusers of the woman were "convicted by their own conscience" G4893 and left one by one, signifying a singular response to truth rather than a collective one John 8:9.
- Personal Examination: In the upper room, the disciples' reaction to the news of betrayal was not a general uproar but an internal one, prompting each to ask sorrowfully, "Is it I?" Mark 14:19. This demonstrates an immediate turn to self-examination.
- Orderly Progression: In both accounts, the phrase describes a deliberate, sequential action, not a chaotic rush. The departure in John's gospel begins with the eldest G4245 and proceeds to the last G2078, suggesting a structured and non-chaotic moment of truth John 8:9.
In summary, heîs kath' heîs G1527 is a specific term for "one by one" that, despite its rare usage, carries significant meaning. It consistently appears in contexts where a group is forced to move from a collective mindset to individual accountability. Whether in the shame of conviction John 8:9 or the sorrow of self-doubt Mark 14:19, it marks a moment where people respond to Jesus not as a crowd, but as individuals in succession.
TRV