### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hápax**, represented by `{{G530}}`, means **one (or a single) time**, used both numerically and to indicate something conclusive. It appears **15 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is crucial for conveying the concept of a singular, definitive, and often unrepeatable event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G530}}` is most frequently used to emphasize the finality and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. The book of Hebrews contrasts the Old Testament high priest entering the holy place "once every year" [[Hebrews 9:7]] with the fact that "Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many" [[Hebrews 9:28]]. This same finality is applied to all humanity, as it is appointed unto men "once to die" [[Hebrews 9:27]]. The word also describes singular historical events, such as the faith being "once delivered unto the saints" [[Jude 1:3]], or personal experiences, like Paul being "once was I stoned" [[2 Corinthians 11:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for frequency and repetition:
* `{{G4178}}` **pollákis** (many times, i.e. frequently): This word is used in direct contrast to `{{G530}}` to show that Christ did not have to suffer **often**, but appeared **once** to put away sin [[Hebrews 9:26]].
* `{{G1364}}` **dís** (twice): This term is used alongside `{{G530}}` to describe a repeated action, as when Paul desired to visit the Thessalonians "**once** and again" [[1 Thessalonians 2:18]].
* `{{G5151}}` **trís** (three times): This adverb for "three times" helps quantify events, such as in Paul's list of hardships where he was beaten with rods **thrice** but stoned **once** [[2 Corinthians 11:25]].
* `{{G1208}}` **deúteros** (second): This ordinal specifies a subsequent event, such as in the promise that after Christ was offered **once**, he shall appear a **second time** for salvation [[Hebrews 9:28]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G530}}` is most profound in soteriology and eschatology.
* **Sufficiency of Christ's Atonement:** The primary theological use of `{{G530}}` is to establish that Christ's death was a single, all-sufficient sacrifice. He "hath **once** suffered for sins" [[1 Peter 3:18]] and was "**once** offered" [[Hebrews 9:28]], making any further sacrifice for sin unnecessary. Worshippers could be "**once** purged," having no more conscience of sins [[Hebrews 10:2]].
* **Finality of Divine Revelation:** The faith was "**once** delivered unto the saints" [[Jude 1:3]], signifying that God's foundational revelation through the apostles is complete and authoritatively established.
* **Unrepeatable Events:** The term defines absolute, one-time occurrences in God's plan. This includes the universal human experience of being appointed "**once** to die" [[Hebrews 9:27]] and God's future promise: "Yet **once more** I shake not the earth only, but also heaven" [[Hebrews 12:26]], an act which signifies a final, unrepeatable cosmic change [[Hebrews 12:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G530}}` is far more than a simple numerical adverb. It is a cornerstone for understanding the finality of Christ's work on the cross, distinguishing it from the repetitive rituals it replaced. The word **hápax** gives weight to singular, decisive moments in God's redemptive history, from the definitive delivery of the faith to the unrepeatable reality of death and judgment, illustrating that some events, by their very nature, need only happen once.
TRV