from κατά and ἑξῆς; thereafter, i.e. consecutively; as a noun (by ellipsis of noun) a subsequent person or time:--after(-ward), by (in) order.
Transliteration:kathexēs
Pronunciation:kath-ex-ace'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb καθεξῆς (kathexēs, `{{G2517}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (katá), meaning "down" or "according to," and the adverb ἑξῆς (hexēs), meaning "next" or "following." Together, they convey the sense of "thereafter," "consecutively," "in order," or "successively." Its primary semantic range encompasses both temporal sequence ("one after another in time") and logical order ("in proper arrangement" or "methodically"). It suggests a progression that is not haphazard but follows a discernible pattern or succession, whether in events, persons, or explanations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
καθεξῆς appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in the writings of Luke, underscoring his meticulous approach to historical narrative and theological presentation.
* In [[Luke 1:3]], Luke states his intention to write "an orderly account" (ἔδοξε κἀμοὶ παρηκολουθηκότι ἄνωθεν πᾶσιν ἀκριβῶς καθεξῆς σοι γράψαι, κράτιστε Θεόφιλε). Here, καθεξῆς emphasizes the methodical and sequential arrangement of his Gospel, suggesting a careful investigation and presentation of facts that unfolds logically and chronologically for the benefit of Theophilus. It speaks to the reliability and structure of his historical narrative.
* [[Luke 8:1]] describes Jesus's ministry: "And it happened afterwards that He went through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God." Here, καθεξῆς functions temporally, indicating that Jesus's itinerant ministry followed a previous period or event, marking a new phase of His work. It denotes a progression of His evangelistic journey.
* In [[Acts 3:24]], Peter, addressing the crowd, declares, "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel and those who came after him have spoken of these days." καθεξῆς here refers to the succession of prophets throughout Israel's history, emphasizing the continuous and unbroken line of divine revelation that culminates in Christ. It highlights the progressive unfolding of God's redemptive plan through successive prophetic voices.
* [[Acts 11:4]] recounts Peter's defense before the apostles in Jerusalem: "But Peter began and explained it to them in order, point by point." Similar to [[Luke 1:3]], καθεξῆς here describes the structured and logical presentation of an account. Peter's explanation of his encounter with Cornelius was not a chaotic recounting but a methodical, step-by-step narrative designed to clarify and justify his actions.
* Finally, in [[Acts 18:23]], Luke records Paul's missionary journey: "And having spent some time there, he departed and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples." καθεξῆς again denotes a sequential progression, describing Paul's systematic visitation of regions and churches, reinforcing the disciples in an orderly manner. It speaks to the organized nature of early apostolic ministry.
Across these occurrences, καθεξῆς consistently highlights order, sequence, and methodical progression, whether in narrative, events, or explanations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by καθεξῆς aligns with several other Greek terms and theological ideas.
* ἔπειτα (epeita, `{{G1899}}`), meaning "then" or "next," often denotes a subsequent event in a series, though without the strong emphasis on "order" or "method" that καθεξῆς carries.
* μετά (metá, `{{G3326}}`), "after" or "with," can indicate temporal succession but is much broader in its semantic range.
* πρῶτον (prōton, `{{G4412}}`), "first," naturally implies a subsequent order, often in conjunction with terms like ἔπειτα.
* The broader concept of *taxis* (τάξις, `{{G5010}}`), meaning "order" or "arrangement," is closely related, as καθεξῆς describes the *manner* in which that order is manifested.
* The idea of "chronology" or "succession" is central to its meaning, particularly in historical narratives.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of καθεξῆς in Luke-Acts carries significant theological weight. It underscores the divine order inherent in God's redemptive plan and the methodical nature of its unfolding.
1. **Divine Order in Revelation and History:** Luke's use in [[Luke 1:3]] highlights that the Gospel narrative is not a random collection of stories but an "orderly account" of God's purposeful work in Christ. This suggests that divine revelation is coherent and structured, not chaotic. The succession of prophets in [[Acts 3:24]] further emphasizes that God's plan of salvation unfolded progressively through history, each stage building upon the last. This speaks to God's sovereignty and meticulous oversight of history.
2. **Methodical Ministry:** The application of καθεξῆς to Jesus's and Peter's ministries ([[Luke 8:1]], [[Acts 11:4]], [[Acts 18:23]]) reveals a purposeful and systematic approach to evangelism, teaching, and church strengthening. It suggests that effective ministry is often characterized by intentionality, clarity, and logical progression, reflecting the orderly character of God Himself.
3. **Reliability and Veracity:** By emphasizing an "orderly account," Luke implicitly affirms the reliability and trustworthiness of his witness to the events of Christ's life and the early church. The orderliness suggests careful investigation and faithful presentation, reinforcing the truthfulness of the Gospel message. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on truth and the accurate transmission of divine revelation.
Ultimately, καθεξῆς points to a God who acts with purpose, whose plans unfold in an ordered sequence, and whose truth is communicated with clarity and precision.
### Summary
καθεξῆς (kathexēs, `{{G2517}}`) is a Greek adverb denoting "thereafter," "consecutively," or "in order," emphasizing temporal or logical sequence. Its five occurrences in the New Testament, primarily in Luke-Acts, consistently highlight methodical progression in narrative, events, and explanations. Theologically, καθεξῆς underscores the divine order in God's redemptive plan, the purposeful and systematic nature of biblical ministry, and the reliability of the Gospel account. It reveals a God who is sovereign, acting with precision and clarity in the unfolding of history and the communication of His truth.
TRV