καθεξῆς (kathexēs)
kathexēs
in order
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb kathexēs describes events or statements that follow one another in a logical sequence or strict order. It conveys the idea of things happening successively, without interruption or confusion. In the New Testament, this word appears only five times, primarily within the writings of Luke and Acts, where it serves to structure narrative and historical accounts.
Its most notable usage occurs in Luke 1:3, where the author explains his method for writing an "orderly account" (καθεξῆς) of the events he has investigated. This suggests a deliberate effort to arrange material chronologically or logically for the reader’s benefit. The word also appears in Acts 11:4 and 18:23, describing how Peter recounted his experience or how Paul traveled through regions in a specific sequence.
Etymologically, kathexēs combines the preposition kata ("down" or "according to") with hexēs ("following"). This construction reinforces the sense of things lining up one after another. While it can sometimes imply mere succession in time, its primary force is organizational clarity. Translators typically render it as "in order," "one after another," or "successively," preserving the structured nature of the original text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kathexēs reminds us that God’s story is not a collection of random moments, but a coherent narrative with purpose. When Luke writes to Theophilus in Luke 1:3, he promises an account written in order. This was not just about historical precision; it was an act of care. By arranging events logically, the author ensures that readers can follow the truth without confusion, finding stability in a world that often feels chaotic.
We see this same orderly care when Peter explains his experience to the believers in Jerusalem (Acts 11:4) or when Paul travels through regions in order to strengthen disciples (Acts 18:23). These passages show that faith is not built on disjointed impressions but on a clear, traceable witness. God values clarity because it helps us understand His work in history and in our own lives.
This structure offers comfort. It tells us that our journey with Christ is part of a larger, well-ordered plan. We do not need to piece together fragmented clues; the testimony has been carefully arranged for our benefit. As we read Scripture, we can trust that the sequence of events reveals God’s consistent character and His faithful guidance through time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with method1×
- successively1×
- subsequently1×
- soon1×
- in order1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καθεξῆς5×
Key Verses
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Luke 1:3
it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;
This verse defines the author's methodological intent to present a logical, non-chaotic narrative for Theophilus.
-
Acts 11:4
But Peter began, and explained to them in order, saying,
Peter uses this term to show he is recounting his vision and actions in a clear, step-by-step sequence to defend his ministry.
-
Acts 18:23
Having spent some time there, he departed and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.
It describes Paul's deliberate travel route through Galatia and Phrygia to systematically establish disciples in specific locations.