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.
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.
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.
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.
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