Original Word: ἅπαξ
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: hapax
Pronunciation: HA-pax
Phonetic Spelling: (hap'-ax)
Definition: Once, once for all, one time
Meaning: once, once for all.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word "ἅπαξ" meaning "once" or "one time."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "hapax," the concept of singularity and finality can be seen in Hebrew words like "אֶחָד" (echad, Strong's H259), meaning "one" or "unity," and "פַּעַם" (pa'am, Strong's H6471), meaning "time" or "occurrence."

Usage: The Greek adverb "hapax" is used to denote an action or event that occurs only once. It emphasizes the singularity and uniqueness of an occurrence. In the New Testament, it often underscores the sufficiency and finality of an event, particularly in theological contexts.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of something happening "once" carried significant weight, often implying completeness or perfection. In Jewish thought, the idea of a singular, definitive act was also important, especially in the context of sacrificial systems and covenantal promises. The New Testament writers, influenced by both Jewish and Hellenistic thought, used "hapax" to convey the definitive and unrepeatable nature of Christ's work.

Word Origin
from alpha (as a cop. prefix) and a prim. root pag-
Definition
once
NASB Translation
once (9), once for all (3), once more (2).

STRONGS NT 530: ἅπαξ

ἅπαξ, 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).

once for all

Probably from hapas; one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively) -- once.

see GREEK hapas

απαξ άπαξ ἅπαξ ὑμᾶς apax hapax hápax hymas hymâs umasInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts