Brief Overview of ποταμός (Strong’s G4215: potamos)

Strong’s G4215: A noun meaning “river” or “stream,” used both literally and metaphorically in the New Testament. Appears in contexts ranging from natural hazards to symbolic representations of divine blessing and judgment. Particularly significant in Jesus’ teachings and apocalyptic literature.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποταμός represents flowing water in both physical and spiritual contexts. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’ parable of the wise builder, symbolizing life’s trials, and in Revelation as the river of life flowing from God’s throne. Early church writers expanded its metaphorical significance to represent both divine grace and judgment. Today, it continues to symbolize both the challenges believers face and the life-giving flow of God’s Spirit.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποταμός, potamos, po-ta-MOS
• Detailed pronunciation: poh-tah-MOSS (stress on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Related to πότος (drinking)
• Connected to πίνω (to drink)
• May be related to Sanskrit पाति (pāti, “drinks”)

D – Defining Meanings

• River
• Stream
• Flood

Translation Options:

• “River” – most common equivalent
• “Stream” – smaller watercourse
• “Flood” – when emphasizing destructive power

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ῥεῦμα (rheuma, RHEU-ma) – stream, current – See G4511
• χείμαρρος (cheimarros, khei-MAR-ros) – winter torrent – See G5493
• πηγή (pēgē, pay-GAY) – spring, fountain – See G4077

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: ποταμός
• Genitive: ποταμοῦ
• Dative: ποταμῷ
• Accusative: ποταμόν

Cross-references:

• Related adjective: ποτάμιος (of the river)
• Related compounds: ποταμοφόρητος (river-borne)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its prominence in apocalyptic literature. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its symbolic significance. Strong’s connects it to drinking water sources. LEH notes Septuagint usage for major rivers. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri describing Nile flooding.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 7:25: “And the rain descended, and the [ποταμός] floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”

Additional References:
Mark 1:5
Luke 6:48
John 7:38
Acts 16:13
Revelation 22:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποταμός embodies both challenge and blessing in Scripture. From the floods testing faith’s foundation to the river of life in the New Jerusalem, it reminds us that what threatens to destroy can become a source of blessing through Christ. This word proclaims that God’s grace flows like a mighty river, bringing life and sustenance to His people.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Greeks often personified rivers as gods.
2. Early baptisms often took place in rivers, connecting to John’s Jordan ministry.
3. The word influenced early Christian symbolism of baptism and spiritual renewal.

Strong’s G4215: A noun meaning “river” or “stream,” used both literally and metaphorically in the New Testament. Appears in contexts ranging from natural hazards to symbolic representations of divine blessing and judgment. Particularly significant in Jesus’ teachings and apocalyptic literature.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: river, water, flood, trials, blessing, judgment, apocalyptic literature, baptism, divine provision, spiritual metaphors​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​