ἅπας (hapas)
hapas
all
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word hapas means "all" or "the whole," serving as a strengthened form of the more common pas. By adding the prefix ha-, it intensifies the sense of totality, conveying that nothing is left out. In the New Testament, it appears in 34 verses, with a significant concentration in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.
Its usage shifts subtly based on grammar. When paired with the definite article before a noun, as in Luke 3:21, it emphasizes the entirety of a specific group or thing. When placed after the noun, such as in Mark 16:15, it functions more like "every single one." It can also stand alone to mean "all things" collectively, as seen when the believers held everything in common in Acts 2:44.
This term carries a weight of completeness that simple "all" might miss. It is not just a quantity but a quality of wholeness. Translators often render it simply as "all," but the Greek suggests an inclusive, undivided whole. This precision helps readers grasp the full scope of biblical statements, from Jesus teaching all the crowds to the early church sharing all their possessions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hapas carries a sense of total inclusion, suggesting that nothing is left out. When Scripture uses this term, it often points to the comprehensive nature of God’s work or the universal scope of human experience. It reminds us that our faith is not reserved for a select few but is intended for everyone, without exception.
In the early church, this wholeness was lived out practically. Believers shared all their possessions, ensuring no one among them lacked what they needed. This unity reflected a deep trust in God’s provision and a commitment to love one another fully. It invites us to consider how we might embody such generosity and inclusivity in our own communities.
Whether facing personal challenges or witnessing the broader work of the Gospel, hapas assures us that God’s reach is complete. His grace extends to every corner of life, offering hope and restoration to all who seek it. This completeness encourages us to rest in the certainty that no situation is beyond His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- all21×
- all things4×
- all.3×
- all,2×
- everything.1×
- all;1×
- all things.1×
- [his] perfect1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἅπαντες9×
- ἅπαντα8×
- ἅπαν4×
- ἅπασαν2×
- ἅπας2×
- ἅπαντας,2×
- ἅπαντα.2×
- ἅπαντες·1×
- ἅπαντες.¶1×
- ἅπαντας.1×
- ἅπαντας1×
- ἁπάντων.1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 16:15
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to the whole creation.
This verse uses hapas to emphasize the universal scope of the Great Commission, commanding the preaching of the Good News to every part of creation without exception.
-
Acts 2:44
All who believed were together, and had all things in common.
Here hapas describes the total sharing of possessions among believers, highlighting a community where economic needs were met through mutual care and unity.
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Luke 3:21
Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized and was praying. The sky was opened,
The phrase 'all the people' underscores the public and collective nature of Jesus’ baptism, marking a significant moment witnessed by the entire gathered crowd.
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Acts 4:32
The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
This occurrence reinforces the theme of radical generosity, noting that believers held all things in common, reflecting a heart of unity and selfless love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hapas mean in the New Testament?
How is hapas different from pas?
Where does hapas appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (34 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 3 verses
For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Matthew 24:39and they didn’t know until the flood came and took them all away, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Matthew 28:11Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests all the things that…