Understanding δήποτε (dēpote) Strong’s G1221: The Mysterious Timing in God’s Divine Plan

Pronunciation Guide: day-pot’-eh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1221: The Greek term δήποτε (dēpote) is an adverb denoting indefinite time, typically translated as “at whatever time” or “whensoever.” It conveys a sense of eventual certainty within an uncertain timeframe. In biblical contexts, it often points to God’s perfect timing that, though unknown to humans, unfolds according to His sovereign plan.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Adverb
• Compound word: formed from δή (dē, “truly/indeed”) and ποτέ (pote, “at some time”)
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Narrative contexts, particularly in temporal clauses
• Frequency: Rare in New Testament (appears only once in some manuscripts)

δήποτε Morphology:

• δήποτε (adverbial form) – at whatever time, whensoever
• No case variations as it functions adverbially

Origin & History

The term δήποτε has roots in classical Greek literature where it functioned as a temporal marker indicating an indefinite yet eventual occurrence. Xenophon employs the term in his “Anabasis” when describing events that would eventually take place, though the precise timing remained uncertain. The component δή adds emphasis, creating a sense of certainty about the “whenever” expressed by ποτέ.

In the Septuagint, δήποτε appears sparingly, notably in passages like Daniel 2:15 (Theodotion’s version) where it conveys the sense of “for what reason.” Its transition from classical to Koine Greek shows a subtle shift toward expressing both temporal uncertainty and underlying purpose. This semantic range made it particularly suitable for contexts where divine timing was being emphasized.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• An adverb indicating an indefinite point in time when something occurs
• A marker of eventual certainty despite temporal uncertainty
• A term suggesting divinely appointed timing
• An emphatic expression of “whenever” with certainty that the event will occur

δήποτε Translation Options:

• “At whatever time” – emphasizes the indefinite timing aspect
• “Whensoever” – archaic but precise translation capturing both elements
• “At the appointed time” – captures the sense of divine appointment
• “Eventually” – simplifies the concept but loses some of the original emphasis
• “For how long” – relevant in contexts questioning duration rather than timing

Biblical Usage

The most notable (and possibly only) appearance of δήποτε in the New Testament occurs in John 5:4, a verse that appears in some manuscripts but is considered a later addition by many scholars. In this context, it describes how an angel would “at a certain time” (δήποτε) descend into the pool of Bethesda, stirring the waters which then gained healing properties. This usage perfectly illustrates the term’s connection to divine timing—unpredictable to humans yet operating according to God’s precise schedule.

Though rare in canonical Scripture, the concept conveyed by δήποτε echoes throughout biblical theology where God’s perfect timing is a recurring theme. While humans may not know when God will act, the certainty that He will act at the appointed time remains unwavering.

• “For an angel went down at a certain time [δήποτε] into the pool and stirred up the water.” John 5:4 (in some manuscripts)

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern world, timing was understood differently than in our modern precision-focused culture. The Jewish concept of time was more qualitative than quantitative—focusing on the nature and significance of moments rather than their precise measurement. This mindset provides important context for understanding δήποτε, which expresses not just “when” but “in God’s perfect timing.”

The pool of Bethesda mentioned in John 5 was located near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem and had five porches where the sick would gather. Archaeological evidence confirms the existence of such a pool with five porticoes. The belief in the healing powers of waters stirred by an angel reflects the intersection of Jewish and Hellenistic thinking about divine intervention in the physical world. The use of δήποτε in this context emphasizes the mysterious timing of divine healing—unpredictable yet certain, requiring patient waiting.

Theological Significance

The concept of δήποτε beautifully illustrates God’s sovereignty over time. While humans are bound by chronological time (chronos), God operates in the realm of appointed time (kairos). The indefinite yet certain nature of δήποτε reminds us that Yahweh is not constrained by our timelines but works according to His perfect wisdom and purpose.

This understanding addresses one of the most challenging aspects of faith—waiting on God’s timing. When we pray for healing, restoration, or breakthrough, we often want to know exactly when God will act. The concept behind δήποτε teaches us that while the timing remains in God’s hands, we can rest in the certainty that He will act. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ declares Yahweh. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.'”

Personal Application

Embracing the truth of δήποτε in our spiritual lives means developing patient trust in God’s perfect timing. Just as those who waited by the pool of Bethesda didn’t know when the angel would stir the waters, we often cannot predict when God will move in our circumstances. Yet like them, we are called to wait with expectancy, knowing that “at the appointed time” He will act.

This perspective transforms our waiting from passive resignation to active hope. When facing illness, relationship struggles, or unanswered prayers, remembering the principle of δήποτε encourages us to trust not just in what God will do, but in His perfect when. Our part is faithful presence; God’s part is perfect timing.

Related Words

• καιρός (kairos, “appointed time”) – refers to the right or opportune moment, a divinely significant time rather than chronological time. While δήποτε emphasizes the indefinite “whenever,” καιρός focuses on the quality of the moment as divinely appointed. See G2540
• χρόνος (chronos, “time”) – refers to chronological time, the passage of minutes and hours, contrasting with δήποτε’s emphasis on timing regardless of duration. See G5550
• πότε (pote, “when?”) – the interrogative form asking specifically “when,” whereas δήποτε makes the timing indefinite but certain. See G4219
• ὥρα (hōra, “hour”) – refers to a specific time or season, contrasting with the indefinite timing expressed in δήποτε. See G5610
• εὐκαίρως (eukairōs, “at a good time”) – denotes doing something at an opportune moment, whereas δήποτε simply indicates that the moment will come without specifying its quality. See G2122

Did you Know?

• The textual controversy surrounding John 5:4 (where δήποτε appears) offers fascinating insights into early manuscript traditions. Though absent from the earliest manuscripts, the passage about the angel stirring the waters represents an authentic tradition about the pool that explains why the invalids gathered there, showing how oral traditions sometimes entered the written text.
• The concept behind δήποτε shares similarities with the Jewish understanding of God’s appointed times or מועדים (mo’edim). These divinely established moments include the biblical feasts, which occurred at set times on the calendar but pointed to Messianic fulfillments that would come “at whatever time” (δήποτε) God determined—as seen in how Yeshua (Jesus) fulfilled Passover precisely at its appointed time.
• Modern psychological research confirms the spiritual wisdom embedded in the concept of δήποτε. Studies on patience and delayed gratification show that people who can wait for rewards without knowing exactly when they’ll come tend to experience greater well-being and success in life—echoing the biblical principle of trusting God’s timing without demanding to know exactly when He will act.

Remember This

δήποτε captures the beautiful tension of the believer’s life: living in confident expectation of God’s action without knowing precisely when that divine moment will arrive—a sacred uncertainty that cultivates both patience and hope.