Strong’s G4219: An interrogative adverb meaning “when?” or “at what time?” Used in New Testament questions expressing urgency, expectation, or sometimes exasperation. Often appears in questions about timing of divine events and spiritual transformation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πότε serves as a direct question about timing, appearing in contexts ranging from Jesus’ expressions of divine patience to disciples’ questions about eschatological events. It carries particular weight in spiritual contexts, often implying eagerness or urgency for divine intervention. Early church writers used this term in discussions of Christ’s return and spiritual readiness. Today, it continues to express the tension between divine timing and human expectation.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πότε, pote, PO-teh
• Detailed pronunciation: POH-teh (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Interrogative Adverb

Etymology:

• From PIE *kwo- (interrogative stem)
• Related to ποτέ (at some time)
• Basic interrogative form

D – Defining Meanings

• When?
• At what time?
• Until when?

Translation Options:

• “When?” – direct timing question
• “How long?” – duration emphasis
• “At what point?” – specific moment focus

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποτέ (pote, po-TEH) – at some time – See G4218
• ἕως πότε (heōs pote, HEH-ohs PO-teh) – until when – See G2193
• οὐδέποτε (oudepote, oo-DEH-po-teh) – never – See G3763

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an interrogative adverb, πότε:

• Is indeclinable
• Always carries accent on first syllable
• Can introduce direct or indirect questions
• Often combines with prepositions

Cross-references:

• Forms compounds with other particles
• Used in temporal clauses

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in urgent questions. Thayer’s notes its eschatological applications. LSJ documents classical interrogative patterns. Vine’s highlights its temporal precision. Strong’s connects it to divine timing questions. LEH notes Septuagint usage in prophetic contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite everyday usage in letters.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 17:17: “Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, [πότε] how long shall I be with you? [πότε] how long shall I suffer you?”

Additional References:
Matthew 24:3
Mark 13:4
Luke 9:41
John 6:25

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πότε captures the human longing for divine timing and intervention. Whether expressing Jesus’ patience with humanity or disciples’ eagerness for His return, it reminds us that God’s timing, though sometimes mysterious, is perfect. This word teaches us to trust divine wisdom while maintaining spiritual urgency.

D – Did You Know?

1. Early Christian apocalyptic texts frequently used this word.
2. It appears often in ancient prayer formulas.
3. The word influenced development of liturgical timing questions.

Strong’s G4219: An interrogative adverb meaning “when?” or “at what time?” Used in New Testament questions expressing urgency, expectation, or sometimes exasperation. Often appears in questions about timing of divine events and spiritual transformation.

Part of speech: Interrogative Adverb

Tags: timing, questions, urgency, eschatology, divine patience, Jesus’ teachings, apocalyptic, waiting, spiritual readiness, divine intervention​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​