Brief Overview of πολλάκις (Strong’s G4178: pollakis)

Strong’s G4178: An adverb derived from πολύς (many), meaning “often, frequently, many times.” In the New Testament, it’s used to emphasize the repetitive nature of actions or experiences, particularly in contexts of suffering, prayer, and spiritual warfare.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολλάκις emphasizes frequency and repetition in actions or experiences. In the New Testament, it appears in significant contexts describing persistent spiritual struggles, repeated prayers, and frequent sufferings for Christ. The early church understood this term as highlighting the ongoing nature of both spiritual challenges and divine faithfulness. Today, it reminds believers that persistence in faith often involves repeated experiences, whether in prayer, spiritual warfare, or service.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πολλάκις, pollakis, /pol-lak’-is/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + ol (syllable) + lak (syllable) + is (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• Root: πολλ- (poll-) from πολύς (many)
• Suffix: -άκις (-akis) forming numerical adverb
• Function: Creates an adverb indicating frequency

D – Defining Meanings

• Often
• Many times
• Frequently
• Repeatedly
• Multiple times

Translation Options:

• Often – Best captures general frequency
• Many times – Emphasizes specific instances
• Repeatedly – Highlights recurring nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πολύς (polys) /pol-oos’/ – refers to many/much – See G4183
• συχνῶς (sychnōs) /sookh-noce’/ – refers to frequently – See G4437
• ἀεί (aei) /ah-eye’/ – refers to always – See G104

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• As an adverb, πολλάκις is uninflected
• Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs
• Indicates frequency or repetition of action
• Can appear in various positions in sentence

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: πολύς (many)
• Related adverb: πολύ (much)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its frequency aspect. Thayer’s notes its use in various contexts. LSJ traces its development from numerical usage. Vine’s highlights its application to repeated actions. Strong’s connects it to multiplicity. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 17:15: “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and suffers terribly. For often [πολλάκις] he falls into the fire, and often into the water.”

Additional References:
Mark 5:4, Acts 26:11, Romans 1:13, 2 Corinthians 11:23, Philippians 3:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πολλάκις reminds us that the Christian life often involves persistence and repetition. It proclaims the good news that God’s faithfulness meets us in our frequent struggles, repeated prayers, and ongoing spiritual battles.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πολλάκις appears 18 times in the New Testament
2. Paul uses it often to describe his frequent sufferings
3. The word influenced early Christian understanding of perseverance

Strong’s G4178: An adverb derived from πολύς (many), meaning “often, frequently, many times.” In the New Testament, it’s used to emphasize the repetitive nature of actions or experiences, particularly in contexts of suffering, prayer, and spiritual warfare.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: often, frequently, many times, repetition, persistence, suffering, prayer, spiritual warfare, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, perseverance, frequency​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​