ἐφάπαξ (G2178) — Greek Lexicon

ἐφάπαξ

ephápax

G2178 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

On a single occasion; once; at one time only. The term emphasizes the finality or singularity of an action or event, often to stress that something is accomplished in one occurrence and does not need repetition. In specific contexts, can carry the nuance of 'once for all,' signifying something done definitively or conclusively.

Semantic Range

once, on a single occasion, one time only, once for all, definitively, without repetition

Root / Etymology

from ἐπί (on, upon) and ἅπαξ (once, one time), forming a compound meaning 'on (only) once.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἐφάπαξ appears in Hellenistic and Koine Greek (including the New Testament and Septuagint) as an intensifying form of ἅπαξ, stressing not just the singularity but also the all-encompassing or definitive nature of an event. In New Testament usage it often refers to events that are complete and unrepeatable (see Hebrews 7:27, 9:12, 10:10). While English translations often render it as 'once for all,' this can reflect theological interpretations; in Greek usage, the term primarily emphasizes a single, unrepeated action. In earlier Greek (classical era), the simple ἅπαξ is more common, and ἐφάπαξ arises primarily in later forms of the language. The word does not occur frequently outside biblical and related literature, underscoring its weighty or solemn usage when it does appear.

Translation Consistency

primary "once" 5 occurrences

ἐφάπαξ is an adverb meaning a single occasion or one-time action (including the sense ‘once for all’). “Once” is the natural, common English equivalent that covers the typical uses—single occurrence, definitive completion—while remaining concise and consistent for all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπί and ἅπαξ; upon one occasion (only):--(at) once (for all).

Root Family

ἐφάπαξ (ephapax) — once, one time, single occurrence, definitively

Root ἅπαξ, ἐπι- once, one time, single occurrence

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2178-01`	ἐφάπαξ	ephapax	`ADV`	once for all	once for all	once for all	5

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2178-01`	Romans 6:10	ἐφάπαξ	ephapax	`ADV`	once	once for all	once for all
`G2178-01`	1 Corinthians 15:6	ἐφάπαξ	ephapax	`ADV`	at once	once for all	once
`G2178-01`	Hebrews 7:27	ἐφάπαξ	ephapax	`ADV`	once for all	once for all	once for all
`G2178-01`	Hebrews 9:12	ἐφάπαξ	ephapax	`ADV`	once for all	once for all	once for all
`G2178-01`	Hebrews 10:10	ἐφάπαξ	ephapax	`ADV`	once for all	once for all	once for all

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