Ephes (אֶפֶס) conveys the idea of cessation, nothingness, or the end of something. As a noun it means "end" or "extremity" (as in the ends of the earth). As an adverb it means "only," "except," or "nevertheless." It emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of God by denoting that beside Him there is nothing.
Isaiah's great declarations about God's incomparable nature repeatedly use ephes: "I am God, and there is none else" (Isaiah 45:22). This word underscores the monotheistic core of Israel's faith — Yahweh alone reigns; all other gods are nothing. The gospel proclaims that this God who has no rival sent His Son to save those who were themselves reduced to nothing.