ἐφάπαξ (ephapax)
ephapax
once/at once
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb ephapax conveys a sense of finality and completeness, meaning "once for all" or "at once." In the New Testament, it appears five times, primarily in Hebrews but also in Romans and First Corinthians. The word emphasizes that an action is performed a single time with enduring results, rather than being repeated.
Its most significant usage occurs in Hebrews, where it describes Christ’s sacrifice. Unlike the daily offerings of the Old Testament priests, Jesus offered himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27; 9:12; 10:10). This single act achieves permanent redemption, rendering further sacrifices unnecessary. Romans 6:10 similarly notes that Christ died to sin once for all, highlighting the definitive nature of his death.
While less common, ephapax also appears in First Corinthians 15:6 regarding a large group of witnesses. Here, it likely means "at once" or "all at once," indicating they saw the risen Lord simultaneously. This usage underscores the immediacy and collective nature of the experience, contrasting with the repeated, singular sacrifices described elsewhere.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ephapax carries a heavy sense of finality. It tells us that certain actions are not meant to be repeated because their work is completely finished. When we read that Christ offered himself once for all, we are hearing a promise that our salvation does not depend on our ability to keep trying harder or repeating rituals. His single act was sufficient to cover every need.
This truth brings deep rest to the weary soul. You do not have to earn God’s favor through endless striving. The sacrifice of Jesus stands as a permanent reality, securing your redemption and sanctification in one decisive moment. This completeness means you can stop striving for acceptance and start resting in what has already been accomplished.
Even when we face uncertainty, like the five hundred witnesses who saw the risen Lord at once, we are reminded that God’s power is immediate and real. Your faith rests on a foundation that cannot be shaken or undone. You are invited to trust in this finished work, finding peace in the knowledge that your relationship with God is secure and complete.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- once for all2×
- once for all;1×
- once for all.1×
- at once1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐφάπαξ3×
- ἐφάπαξ·1×
- ἐφάπαξ.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:27
who doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself.
This verse contrasts Jesus with earthly priests by showing his sacrifice was a single, definitive act rather than a repeated daily ritual.
-
Hebrews 9:12
nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption.
Here the word highlights that Christ entered the Holy Place through his own blood to secure eternal redemption in one go.
-
Romans 6:10
For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God.
This occurrence emphasizes that Christ’s death to sin was a one-time event, establishing a new permanent life for God.