### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hosákis**, represented by `{{G3740}}`, is an adverb meaning **as often as** or "how many times as." It appears only **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, making each of its uses particularly significant. It functions to link a repeated action to a specific condition, purpose, or consequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G3740}}` is central to the instruction of the Lord's Supper. In 1 Corinthians, it establishes the recurring nature of the ordinance, tying the physical acts to a spiritual reality. "As oft as" believers drink the cup, they are to do so in **remembrance** of Christ [[1 Corinthians 11:25]]. This same repetitive action of eating the bread and drinking the cup serves as a proclamation, to **shew** the Lord's **death** until he comes [[1 Corinthians 11:26]]. In a different context, the word is used in Revelation to describe the authority of the two witnesses, who have power to **smite** the earth with plagues "**as often** as they will" [[Revelation 11:6]], connecting the frequency of the act to their volition.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G3740}}` appears:
* `{{G2068}}` **esthíō** (to eat): This is the physical act that, when repeated, triggers the proclamation described in [[1 Corinthians 11:26]]. It is one of the core actions associated with the phrase "as often as."
* `{{G364}}` **anámnēsis** (recollection): This word provides the purpose for the repeated action in [[1 Corinthians 11:25]]. The act of drinking the cup is performed in **remembrance**, making the repetition a deliberate memorial.
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (authority, power): In [[Revelation 11:6]], the ability of the witnesses to act "as often as they will" stems from the **power** they have been given to shut heaven or turn waters to blood.
* `{{G4221}}` **potḗrion** (cup): This represents the **cup** that is drunk "as oft as" believers participate in the ordinance, symbolizing the new testament in Christ's blood [[1 Corinthians 11:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3740}}` is focused on the meaning of repeated spiritual acts.
* **A Continuous Proclamation:** The phrase "as often as" establishes the Lord's Supper not as a one-time event but as an ongoing proclamation of the gospel. Each instance of partaking is a fresh declaration of the Lord's **death** [[1 Corinthians 11:26]].
* **Intentional Remembrance:** The repetition is explicitly tied to **remembrance** (`{{G364}}`). It is a command to actively recall Christ's sacrifice, preventing the ordinance from becoming a thoughtless ritual [[1 Corinthians 11:25]].
* **Exercise of Delegated Authority:** In Revelation, the phrase demonstrates that the exercise of divine judgment is not random. The plagues occur "**as often** as they will," showing a deliberate application of God-given **power** (`{{G1849}}`) rather than an arbitrary cycle of events [[Revelation 11:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3740}}` is a precise term that, while rare, carries significant weight. It instructs believers that the repetition of the Lord's Supper is a meaningful act of **remembrance** and proclamation. It also illustrates how divinely delegated **power** can be exercised with intent and volition. The word **hosákis** transforms simple repetition into a purposeful and significant spiritual practice.
TRV