Lexical Summary hapax: Once, once for all, one time Original Word: ἅπαξ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance once for allProbably from hapas; one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively) -- once. see GREEK hapas NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a cop. prefix) and a prim. root pag- Definition once NASB Translation once (9), once for all (3), once more (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 530: ἅπαξἅπαξ, adverb, once, one time (from Homer down); a. universally: 2 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 9:26; 1 Peter 3:20 Rec.; ἔτι ἅπαξ, Hebrews 12:28f; ἅπαξ τοῦ ἐνιαυτοῦ, Hebrews 9:7 (Herodotus 2, 59, etc.). b. like Latinsemel, used of what is so done as to be of perpetual validity and never need repetition, once for all: Hebrews 6:4; Hebrews 10:2; 1 Peter 3:18; Jude 1:3, 5. c. καί ἅπαξ καί δίς indicates a definite number (the double καί emphasizing the repetition, both once and again i. e.) twice: 1 Thessalonians 2:18; Philippians 4:16; on the other hand, ἅπαξ καί δίς means (once and again i. e.) several times, repeatedly: Nehemiah 13:20; 1 Macc. 3:30. Cf. Schott on 1 Thessalonians 2:18, p. 86; (Meyer on Philippians, the passage cited). Strong’s 530 highlights an adverb that denotes a single, decisive occurrence—“once,” “once for all,” or “one time.” It marks events that do not need repetition and cannot be reversed or improved upon. Hence it often signals finality, uniqueness, and sufficiency. Distribution in the New Testament Fourteen occurrences appear across Paul’s correspondence, Hebrews, 1 Peter, and Jude. Outside Hebrews, the term usually notes a solitary historical action (2 Corinthians 11:25) or an attempted visit (1 Thessalonians 2:18). Within Hebrews, it becomes a theological pillar, proclaiming both the unrepeatable sacrifice of Christ and the finality of divine judgment. Key Passages • Hebrews 9:26-28 — “But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to remove sin by the sacrifice of Himself… so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time… to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.” • 1 Peter 3:18 — “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” • Hebrews 9:27 — “Just as people are appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment.” • Jude 3 — “Contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.” Christ’s Once-for-All Sacrifice Hebrews concentrates half of the term’s appearances, repeatedly setting the singularity of Christ’s offering over against the continuous sacrifices of the old covenant (Hebrews 9:7; 10:2). The writer’s argument builds toward assurance: one perfect act has secured eternal redemption. 1 Peter 3:18 echoes the same verdict. By grounding atonement in an irreversible historical moment, the word safeguards confidence; nothing needs to be added, repeated, or supplemented. The Finality of Human Destiny Hebrews 9:27 employs the same adverb to underline the one-time nature of physical death and the certainty of ensuing judgment. As Christ’s death happened once, so each person dies once, leaving no room for reincarnation or post-mortem probation. This parallel intensifies the call to receive the once-for-all sacrifice before the unalterable appointment arrives. A Faith Once Entrusted Jude applies the word to the deposit of apostolic doctrine (“the faith entrusted once for all”). The expression establishes the sufficiency and fixed character of the gospel against every attempt to revise or dilute it. Contending for this faith means guarding a treasure that cannot be replaced or reissued. Historical and Liturgical Resonance Early church fathers drew on these verses to refute recurring sacrifices in Gnostic or Judaizing sects and later, in patristic debates concerning the Eucharist. The word reinforced the conviction that the communion meal commemorates, rather than repeats, Calvary’s offering. Pastoral and Ministry Implications 1. Assurance of Salvation Because forgiveness rests on a single, finished act, believers can rest from striving to earn divine favor. 2. Urgency of Evangelism The singular nature of death and judgment compels timely proclamation of the gospel, knowing each soul has one earthly life in which to respond. 3. Doctrinal Fidelity Jude’s warning strengthens the mandate for sound teaching; the deposit cannot evolve with cultural trends. 4. Worship Focus Liturgical expressions should magnify the sufficiency and finality of Christ’s work, steering gatherings away from any notion of re-sacrifice. Eschatological Dimension Hebrews 12:26-27 applies the term to God’s promised cosmic shaking: “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.” The phrase anticipates a final, decisive intervention that will remove all that is perishable and reveal the unshakable kingdom. Just as the first shaking at Sinai inaugurated the old covenant, the future shaking will seal its consummation in the new. Summary Strong’s 530 accents the Bible’s insistence on unique, unrepeated realities—Christ’s sacrifice, human death, the coming judgment, the established gospel, and the ultimate renewal of all things. Each occurrence of the word invites faith in what God has done once and encourages vigilance until the day when He acts once more to complete His redemptive plan. Englishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 11:25 AdvGRK: τρὶς ἐραβδίσθην ἅπαξ ἐλιθάσθην τρὶς NAS: I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, KJV: was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, INT: three times I was beaten with rods once I was stoned three times Philippians 4:16 Adv 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Adv Hebrews 6:4 Adv Hebrews 9:7 Adv Hebrews 9:26 Adv Hebrews 9:27 Adv Hebrews 9:28 Adv Hebrews 10:2 Adv Hebrews 12:26 Adv Hebrews 12:27 Adv 1 Peter 3:18 Adv Jude 1:3 Adv Jude 1:5 Adv |
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