Brief Overview of πολυμερῶς (Strong’s G4181: polymerōs)

Strong’s G4181: An adverb meaning “in many portions” or “at various times,” combining πολύς (many) and μέρος (part). In the New Testament, it describes God’s progressive revelation throughout history, emphasizing the fragmentary and sequential nature of Old Testament revelation compared to Christ’s complete revelation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολυμερῶς represents the progressive, piece-by-piece nature of divine revelation before Christ. In its sole New Testament appearance in Hebrews, it contrasts the partial revelations of the Old Testament with the complete revelation in Christ. The early church understood this term as highlighting both the validity and the incompleteness of previous divine communications. Today, it helps us appreciate both God’s patient pedagogy throughout history and the supreme completeness of Christ’s revelation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πολυμερῶς, polymerōs, /pol-oo-mer-oce’/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + ol (syllable) + oo (vowel) + mer (syllable) + oce (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• Component 1: πολύς (polys) – “many”
• Component 2: μέρος (meros) – “part/portion”
• Suffix: -ως (-ōs) adverbial ending
• Function: Creates an adverb indicating multiple parts or stages

D – Defining Meanings

• In many parts
• At various times
• In various portions
• Piece by piece
• Gradually

For compound words:
πολύς indicates multiplicity while μέρος contributes the concept of portions or parts

Translation Options:

• In many portions – Best captures the fragmentary aspect
• At various times – Emphasizes the temporal aspect
• Piece by piece – Highlights the progressive nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πολυτρόπως (polytropōs) /pol-oot-rop’-oce/ – refers to many ways – See G4187
• ποικίλως (poikilōs) /poy-kee-loce’/ – refers to variously – See G4164
• μερικῶς (merikōs) /mer-ee-koce’/ – refers to partially – See G3313

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• As an adverb, πολυμερῶς is uninflected
• Modifies verbs
• Indicates manner of action
• Derived from compound adjective πολυμερής

Cross-references:

• Related noun: μέρος (part)
• Related adjective: πολυμερής (having many parts)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its progressive revelation aspect. Thayer’s notes its fragmentary nature. LSJ traces its usage in philosophical contexts. Vine’s highlights its contrast with Christ’s revelation. Strong’s connects it to partial disclosure. Moulton and Milligan document its technical usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Hebrews 1:1: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways [πολυμερῶς], God spoke to our fathers by the prophets.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πολυμερῶς beautifully expresses God’s patient, progressive revelation throughout history. It proclaims the good news that while God spoke partially in the past, He has now spoken fully and finally in His Son Jesus Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πολυμερῶς appears only once in the New Testament
2. It was used in Greek philosophy to describe systematic learning
3. The term influenced early Christian understanding of progressive revelation

Strong’s G4181: An adverb meaning “in many portions” or “at various times,” combining πολύς (many) and μέρος (part). In the New Testament, it describes God’s progressive revelation throughout history, emphasizing the fragmentary and sequential nature of Old Testament revelation compared to Christ’s complete revelation.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: progressive revelation, divine communication, partial revelation, gradual disclosure, Hebrews, Christ’s supremacy, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, Old Testament revelation, divine pedagogy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​