Brief Overview of πού (Strong’s G4225: pou)

Strong’s G4225: An interrogative adverb meaning “where?” Used in questions about location, both literal and metaphorical. In New Testament contexts, appears in questions about significant locations, including Christ’s burial place and spiritual matters. Often carries emotional or rhetorical force.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πού serves as a basic interrogative about location but often carries deeper significance. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from the practical (where Jesus was laid) to the theological (questions about spiritual presence and divine activity). Early church writers used it in discussions of Christ’s presence and divine omnipresence. Today, it continues to prompt reflection on both physical and spiritual location, particularly regarding Christ’s presence in believers’ lives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πού, pou, POO
• Detailed pronunciation: POO (stressed)
• Part of Speech: Interrogative Adverb

Etymology:

• From PIE *kwo- (interrogative stem)
• Basic interrogative form
• Related to Sanskrit kū (where?)

D – Defining Meanings

• Where?
• In what place?
• To what place?

Translation Options:

• “Where?” – direct location question
• “In what place?” – more formal
• “Whereabouts?” – less formal

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποῦ (pou, poo) – somewhere – See G4226
• ὅπου (hopou, HO-poo) – where – See G3699
• ἐκεῖ (ekei, e-KEY) – there – See G1563

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an interrogative adverb, πού:

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

Cross-references:

• Related indefinite: που (somewhere)
• Related relative: ὅπου (where)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in both literal and figurative contexts. Thayer’s notes its emotional force. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its rhetorical use. Strong’s connects it to location inquiry. LEH notes Septuagint patterns. Moulton and Milligan cite everyday usage in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 15:47: “And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld [πού] where he was laid.”

Additional References:
Luke 8:25
John 7:11
John 9:12
John 11:34

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πού reminds us that location matters in both physical and spiritual realms. From seeking Jesus’ burial place to questioning His presence, it prompts us to consider where we locate ourselves in relation to Christ. This word encourages us to seek and find Jesus, who makes Himself known to those who search for Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word often appears in ancient philosophical dialogues.
2. Early Christian catechisms used it in teaching about divine omnipresence.
3. It influenced development of liturgical question-and-answer formats.

Strong’s G4225: An interrogative adverb meaning “where?” Used in questions about location, both literal and metaphorical. In New Testament contexts, appears in questions about significant locations, including Christ’s burial place and spiritual matters. Often carries emotional or rhetorical force.

Part of speech: Interrogative Adverb

Tags: location, questions, seeking, presence, burial of Jesus, spiritual location, divine presence, inquiry, searching, finding Christ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​