### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ephápax**, represented by `{{G2178}}`, means **upon one occasion (only)** or **once (for all)**. Though it appears only **5 times** in 5 unique verses, its theological impact is immense, signifying a singular, definitive, and unrepeatable action. It marks an event as complete and final.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary use of `{{G2178}}` is to contrast the finished work of Christ with the repetitive rituals of the Old Covenant. Unlike the earthly `high priests` `{{G749}}` who needed to offer `sacrifice` `{{G2378}}` `daily` for sins, Christ did this **once** when he offered up `himself` `{{G1438}}` [[Hebrews 7:27]]. This single act was sufficient; He died unto `sin` `{{G266}}` **once** [[Romans 6:10]] and entered into the `holy place` `{{G39}}` **once**, having obtained `eternal redemption` `{{G3085}}` [[Hebrews 9:12]]. The term is also used in a more literal sense to mean "at the same time," as when Christ was seen by over `five hundred` `{{G4001}}` `brethren` `{{G80}}` **at once** after His resurrection [[1 Corinthians 15:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the unique finality conveyed by `{{G2178}}`:
* `{{G749}}` **archiereús** (chief (high) priest): This term identifies the religious leaders whose work was repetitive and incomplete. They needed to offer sacrifices `daily`, unlike Christ who performed His role **once** [[Hebrews 7:27]].
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice): The offering for sin. Christ’s one-time act is contrasted with the ongoing need for the `sacrifice` of animals under the old system [[Hebrews 7:27]]. Believers are now called to present their bodies as a `living sacrifice` [[Romans 12:1]].
* `{{G3085}}` **lýtrōsis** (a ransoming...redemption): This is the direct result of Christ's singular action. By entering the holy place **once**, He obtained `eternal redemption` for us [[Hebrews 9:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2178}}` is concentrated in several key doctrines:
* **The Finality of Christ's Sacrifice:** The sacrifice of Christ is complete and all-sufficient. He does not need to offer Himself again and again, as the high priests did for their `sins` `{{G266}}` and for the `people's` `{{G2992}}`. He did this **once** [[Hebrews 7:27]].
* **The Securing of Eternal Redemption:** Christ's single entrance into the `holy place` `{{G39}}` by His own `blood` `{{G129}}` was not a temporary measure. This one act was enough to obtain `eternal` `{{G166}}` `redemption` `{{G3085}}` [[Hebrews 9:12]].
* **The Basis for Our Sanctification:** As a result of Christ's finished work, believers are `sanctified` `{{G37}}` through the `offering` `{{G4376}}` of the `body` `{{G4983}}` of `Jesus Christ` `{{G5547}}` **once** for all [[Hebrews 10:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2178}}` is a powerful term that defines the nature of Christ’s atoning work. While it can describe a group of people acting **at once** [[1 Corinthians 15:6]], its chief contribution is theological. It establishes Christ’s self-offering as a singular, decisive event that stands in stark contrast to the endless cycle of sacrifices it replaced. His death was a **once**-for-all act that secured `eternal redemption` [[Hebrews 9:12]] and provides the foundation for our sanctification.
TRV