Lexical Summary hosakis: As often as, as many times as Original Word: ὁσάκις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance as often as. Multiple adverb from hos; how (i.e. With an, so) many times as -- as oft(-en) as. see GREEK hos see GREEK an NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from hosos Definition as often as NASB Translation often (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3740: ὁσάκιςὁσάκις (ὅσος), relative adverb, as often as; with the addition of ἄν, as often soever as, 1 Corinthians 11:25f. (R G; cf. Winers Grammar, § 42, 5a.; Buttmann, § 139, 34); also of ἐάν (L T Tr WH in 1 Corinthians, in the passage cited); Revelation 11:6. ((Lysias, Plato, others.)) Topical Lexicon Connotation and Emphasis of ὁσάκις The adverb introduces an open-ended time frame: every time an action is performed it carries the same weight and intent as the first. Scripture uses the term when divine purpose, covenant remembrance, or prophetic authority must remain unrestricted by a fixed schedule. The Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11 Paul twice employs ὁσάκις while recounting Jesus’ instruction at the Last Supper (1 Corinthians 11:25-26). The phrase “as often as” guards the ordinance from both neglect and mechanical ritualism. It invites each gathering of believers, regardless of culture or century, to re-enter the Gospel event: • 1 Corinthians 11:25: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” Here ὁσάκις ties remembrance to proclamation. The Supper is not a mere memorial but an ongoing herald of the cross and a forward look to the Parousia. The elasticity of the word safeguards both the freedom of local assemblies to decide frequency and the obligation never to let the ordinance lapse. Covenantal Continuity By linking Christ’s command to the new covenant, Paul echoes Exodus 24:8 where blood ratifies covenant fellowship. Ὁσάκις draws that once-for-all event into present experience, ensuring every celebration is a fresh participation in grace. The word thus bridges historical act and continual appropriation. Pastoral and Discipleship Applications Because ὁσάκις conveys recurring privilege rather than legal quota, churches may observe the Supper weekly, monthly, or at other intervals, provided each occurrence remains Christ-centered. The term challenges leaders to guard against either superstition (treating the elements as talismans) or forgetfulness (allowing long gaps that dull congregational memory of the cross). Eschatological Power in Revelation 11 In Revelation 11:6, ὁσάκις marks the unlimited scope of the two witnesses’ judgments: “They have authority over the waters … to strike the earth with every plague as often as they wish.” The same adverb that invites continual proclamation of redemption now underscores relentless prophetic warning. It portrays a God who grants His servants repeated, decisive intervention until His salvific plan is complete. Thematic Unity Across the Canon Whether at the communion table or within apocalyptic conflict, ὁσάκις highlights: 1. Divine initiative that transcends calendar constraints. Contemporary Ministry Significance • Worship: Incorporate the Lord’s Supper frequently enough that the Gospel remains central, yet thoughtfully enough that each instance is meaningful. Thus ὁσάκις, though occurring only three times, serves as a vital thread weaving together remembrance, proclamation, judgment, and hope—reminding the Church that every repeated act ordained by God carries present power and eschatological promise. Forms and Transliterations οσακις οσάκις ὁσάκις hosakis hosákis osakisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 11:25 AdvGRK: τοῦτο ποιεῖτε ὁσάκις ἐὰν πίνητε NAS: this, as often as you drink KJV: do ye, as oft as ye drink INT: this do as often as if you might drink [it] 1 Corinthians 11:26 Adv Revelation 11:6 Adv |
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