### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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