from ἐπί and ἅπαξ; upon one occasion (only):--(at) once (for all).
Transliteration:ephápax
Pronunciation:ef-ap'-ax
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb `{{G2178}}` (ephápax) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon" or "on," and the adverb ἅπαξ (hapax - `{{G530}}`), meaning "once" or "one time." Together, ephápax conveys the sense of "once for all," "once and for all," or "on one occasion only," emphasizing the singularity, finality, and decisive nature of an event. It denotes an action that is complete, definitive, and not subject to repetition. Unlike ἅπαξ which can simply mean "once" in a temporal sense, ephápax carries a stronger connotation of ultimate finality, implying that the action performed is sufficient and eternally effective, rendering any further similar actions unnecessary or even invalid. Its semantic range thus encompasses notions of absolute completeness and unrepeatable efficacy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{G2178}}` appears eight times in the New Testament, with a notable concentration in the Epistle to the Hebrews, where its theological significance is profoundly developed in relation to the atoning work of Christ.
* **Romans 6:10**: "For the death he died he died to sin **once for all** (ephápax), but the life he lives he lives to God." Here, ephápax underscores the unique and unrepeatable nature of Christ's death as a decisive act that conquered sin, establishing a new reality for those united with Him. His death was not a temporary measure but a final, complete victory.
* **Hebrews 7:27**: "He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this **once for all** (ephápax) when he offered up himself." This verse highlights the fundamental superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. Unlike the Old Covenant priests who had to offer repeated sacrifices, Christ's self-offering was a singular, perfect, and eternally efficacious act that fully atoned for sin.
* **Hebrews 9:12**: "He entered once for all (ephápax) 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." This passage emphasizes the definitive nature of Christ's entry into the heavenly sanctuary. His blood, unlike animal blood, secured an "eternal redemption," a final and complete liberation from the penalty of sin that never needs to be repeated.
* **Hebrews 9:26**: "Otherwise, he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared **once for all** (ephápax) at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." This verse reiterates the finality and sufficiency of Christ's appearance and sacrifice. It asserts that His single, historical act was sufficient to deal with sin for all time, negating the need for any further sacrificial acts.
* **Hebrews 10:10**: "And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ **once for all** (ephápax)." Here, the focus shifts to the believer's sanctification. It is through Christ's singular, decisive offering that believers are set apart and made holy, a status that is established by this one-time, perfect act.
* **Jude 1:3**: "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all (ephápax) delivered to the saints." In this context, ephápax refers to the body of truth, the Christian faith, which was definitively revealed and given to believers. It implies that the core doctrines and truths of Christianity are complete and unalterable, not subject to ongoing revelation or revision.
* **1 Peter 3:18**: "For Christ also suffered **once for all** (ephápax) for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit." Similar to Romans 6:10, this verse underscores the singular, substitutionary nature of Christ's suffering and death. His suffering was a complete and sufficient act to reconcile humanity to God.
Across these occurrences, ephápax consistently highlights the absolute finality and complete efficacy of Christ's redemptive work, contrasting it sharply with the repeated, insufficient sacrifices of the Old Covenant. It also applies to the definitive nature of revealed truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is ἅπαξ (hapax - `{{G530}}`), which means "once." While ephápax is derived from ἅπαξ and shares its core meaning of singularity, ephápax carries a stronger emphasis on finality and unrepeatability due to the intensifying prefix ἐπί. Other related concepts include:
* **Telos (τέλος - `{{G5056}}`)**: Meaning "end" or "completion," often associated with the idea of a finished work. Christ's work is ephápax and brings about a telos to the old covenant system.
* **Perfection (τελειόω - `{{G5048}}`)**: The concept of being made perfect or complete, particularly in Hebrews, where Christ's ephápax sacrifice perfects those for whom it was offered.
* **Eternal Redemption (αἰωνία λύτρωσις)**: A key phrase in Hebrews 9:12, directly tied to the ephápax nature of Christ's sacrifice.
* **New Covenant (καινὴ διαθήκη)**: The ephápax nature of Christ's sacrifice is foundational to the establishment and superiority of the New Covenant over the Old.
* **Propitiation/Atonement (ἱλασμός - `{{G2434}}`)**: The act by which God's wrath is appeased through Christ's sacrifice, a singular and complete act.
* **Sanctification (ἁγιασμός - `{{G38}}`)**: The process of being set apart for God's purposes, which, in Hebrews 10:10, is presented as being established ephápax through Christ's offering.
The contrast to ephápax is often implied by words or phrases indicating repetition or ongoing action, such as "daily" (καθ’ ἡμέραν - `{{G2596}}` `{{G2250}}`) or "continually" (διὰ παντὸς - `{{G1223}}` `{{G3956}}`), which characterize the Old Testament sacrificial system.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2178}}` is immense and central to Christian doctrine, particularly concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Firstly, ephápax underscores the absolute **sufficiency and finality of Christ's atoning sacrifice**. Unlike the repeated, imperfect sacrifices under the Mosaic Law, which merely covered sins temporarily and had to be offered continually, Christ's self-offering on the cross was a single, perfect act that definitively and eternally dealt with the problem of sin. This means that no further sacrifice is needed or can be made for sin, establishing the unique efficacy of Christ's work.
Secondly, it highlights the **superiority of the New Covenant over the Old**. The ephápax nature of Christ's work is the basis for the New Covenant's promise of complete forgiveness and eternal redemption. It signals the fulfillment of the Old Testament types and shadows, bringing to an end the need for a temporary, ritualistic system.
Thirdly, ephápax provides the **ground for the believer's security and sanctification**. Because Christ's work was "once for all," the redemption and sanctification accomplished through Him are complete and irreversible. Believers are not continually striving to earn their salvation or maintain their standing with God through repeated acts, but rest in the finished work of Christ. This provides assurance and peace.
Finally, in Jude's usage, ephápax emphasizes the **finality and integrity of God's revelation**. The "faith delivered once for all to the saints" implies that the foundational truths of Christianity are not open to constant redefinition or new revelations. This serves as a bulwark against doctrinal innovation and apostasy, urging believers to contend earnestly for the unchanging truth.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G2178}}` (ephápax) means "once for all" or "once and for all," emphasizing the singular, final, and definitively effective nature of an action. Its usage in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews, is crucial for understanding the unique and unrepeatable character of Christ's atoning sacrifice. Unlike the repeated, insufficient sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Christ's offering of Himself was a ephápax act, securing eternal redemption and sanctification for believers. This singular act established the superiority of the New Covenant and provides the unshakeable foundation for Christian faith and assurance. Furthermore, ephápax describes the definitive nature of the Christian faith as a body of truth "once for all" delivered to the saints, underscoring its completeness and immutability. Thus, ephápax stands as a powerful testament to the finished, perfect, and eternally sufficient work of Jesus Christ.
TRV