Strong’s G4212: An interrogative adverb meaning “how many times?” or “how often?” Used in the New Testament primarily in contexts discussing forgiveness, most notably in Peter’s question to Jesus about how many times one should forgive. Sets up Jesus’ teaching on unlimited forgiveness.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποσάκις serves as a quantitative question about frequency. In the New Testament, it appears most significantly in Peter’s question about forgiveness limits, leading to Jesus’ profound teaching on boundless forgiveness. This interrogative opens the door to Jesus transforming limited human concepts into divine perspectives. Early church writers used this term when discussing the nature of Christian forgiveness. Today, it continues to challenge our understanding of grace and mercy.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποσάκις, posakis, po-SA-kis
• Detailed pronunciation: poh-SA-kiss (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Interrogative Adverb

Etymology:

• πόσος (posos) – how much/many
• -άκις (-akis) – numerical adverbial suffix
• Indicates frequency or repetition

D – Defining Meanings

• How many times?
• How often?
• How frequently?

Translation Options:

• “How many times?” – most direct translation
• “How often?” – smoother English equivalent
• “How frequently?” – formal variation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πολλάκις (pollakis, pol-LA-kis) – many times – See G4178
• ἑπτάκις (heptakis, hep-TA-kis) – seven times – See G2034
• πλειστάκις (pleistakis, ply-STA-kis) – very often – See G4178

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an interrogative adverb, ποσάκις is indeclinable, meaning its form remains constant regardless of its function in the sentence.

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: πόσος (how much/many)
• Related adverbs with -άκις suffix indicating frequency

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in questions about frequency. Thayer’s notes its connection to forgiveness contexts. LSJ documents classical usage in numerical questions. Vine’s highlights its significance in moral teaching. Strong’s connects it to quantitative inquiry. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from everyday questions about frequency.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 18:21: “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, [ποσάκις] how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?”

Additional References:
Matthew 23:37
Luke 13:34

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποσάκις introduces one of Jesus’ most transformative teachings about forgiveness. Peter’s question using this word leads to Jesus’ revelation that kingdom mathematics transcends human calculations. This reminds us that God’s forgiveness knows no numerical limits, challenging us to extend the same boundless grace to others.

D – Did You Know?

1. The -άκις suffix was commonly used in Greek numerical adverbs.
2. Early Christian writers used this word when discussing church discipline.
3. The term influenced development of penitential practices in early church.

Strong’s G4212: An interrogative adverb meaning “how many times?” or “how often?” Used in the New Testament primarily in contexts discussing forgiveness, most notably in Peter’s question to Jesus about how many times one should forgive. Sets up Jesus’ teaching on unlimited forgiveness.

Part of speech: Interrogative Adverb

Tags: frequency, forgiveness, Peter’s question, Jesus’ teaching, moral instruction, mathematics, unlimited grace, divine perspective, repetition, mercy​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​