Lexical Summary kathexés: In order, successively, one after another Original Word: καθεξῆς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance successivelyFrom kata and hexes; thereafter, i.e. Consecutively; as a noun (by ellipsis of noun) a subsequent person or time -- after(-ward), by (in) order. see GREEK kata see GREEK hexes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and hexés Definition successively NASB Translation afterwards* (1), consecutive order (1), orderly sequence (1), successively (1), successors onward (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2517: καθεξῆςκαθεξῆς (κατά and ἑξῆς, which see), adverb, one after another, successively, in order: Luke 1:3; Acts 11:4; Acts 18:23; τῶν καθεξῆς those that follow after, Acts 3:24 (cf. Winer's Grammar, 633 (588)); ἐν τῷ καθεξῆς namely, χρόνῳ (R. V. soon afterward), Luke 8:1. (Aelian v. h. 8, 7; Plutarch, symp. 1, 1, 5; in earlier Greek ἑξῆς and ἐφεξῆς are more usual.) Topical Lexicon Scope and Nuance of the Term The adverb translated “in orderly sequence” or “successively” signals deliberate arrangement—whether of narrative events, geographic movement, or prophetic testimony. Its appearance is confined to the writings of Luke and establishes his concern for an accurate, sequential presentation of God’s redemptive work. Occurrences in Luke and Acts 1. Luke 1:3 – “it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus” Luke’s Literary Method Luke 1:3 announces a carefully researched history. By introducing his Gospel with this adverb, Luke identifies himself with the most reliable ancient historians, assuring Theophilus—and every subsequent reader—that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are reported in a coherent, factual order. The same narrative integrity carries into Acts, reinforcing the unity of the two-volume work. Progressive Revelation in Luke 8:1 Following a cycle of miracles and teaching, “Soon afterward” introduces a new phase of ministry that extends Jesus’ reach across Galilee. The word quietly underscores the orderly unfolding of the kingdom program: proclamation, demonstration, and further proclamation. Prophetic Continuity in Acts 3:24 Peter’s sermon at Solomon’s Portico wields the adverb to link Samuel “and those who followed in succession.” In a single stroke, Luke ties the entire prophetic corpus to the arrival of Messiah. Far from isolated predictions, the prophets form a divinely orchestrated chain pointing to “these days.” Transparent Accountability in Acts 11:4 When called to justify table fellowship with Gentiles, Peter recounts the Caesarean vision “point by point.” His systematic testimony convinces the Jerusalem believers that God has indeed granted repentance to the nations. The church’s unity is preserved through an ordered recounting of God’s acts. Methodical Shepherding in Acts 18:23 Paul “traveled from place to place” throughout Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening “all the disciples.” The missionary does not roam randomly; he revisits congregations in a measured circuit, illustrating the value of systematic discipleship and pastoral oversight. Theological Themes 1. Reliability of Scripture – The orderly presentation authenticates the event-based nature of revelation. Practical Implications for Ministry • Teach the whole counsel of God in a coherent progression, showing how each part builds on the previous. Historical Echoes Early Christian apologists such as Irenaeus and Eusebius embraced Luke’s sequential model, building their defenses of the faith on orderly chronicles of apostolic tradition. Their work preserved orthodoxy against heresy, mirroring the patterned approach embedded in the term itself. Devotional Reflection The God who orders history invites His people into ordered lives—lives that trust His unfolding plan, recount His works faithfully, and minister in ways that reflect His purposeful care for the world. Forms and Transliterations καθεξης καθεξής καθεξῆς kathexes kathexês kathexēs kathexē̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 1:3 AdvGRK: πᾶσιν ἀκριβῶς καθεξῆς σοι γράψαι NAS: to write [it] out for you in consecutive order, most excellent KJV: unto thee in order, most excellent INT: will all things carefully with method to you to write Luke 8:1 Adv Acts 3:24 Adv Acts 11:4 Adv Acts 18:23 Adv |
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