Brief Overview of ποῖος (Strong’s G4169: poios)

Strong’s G4169: An interrogative adjective meaning “what kind of?” or “which?” Used to ask about quality, nature, or identity. In the New Testament, it often appears in questions seeking clarification or specifics, particularly in theological discussions and teachings about moral conduct.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποῖος serves as a precise questioning tool, seeking to identify specific qualities or characteristics. In the New Testament, it appears in significant theological contexts where clarity and specificity are crucial, such as discussions about commandments, judgment, and spiritual authority. The early church used this term in catechetical teaching to clarify doctrinal points. Today, it continues to model how we should ask specific, clarifying questions about faith and practice.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποῖος, poios, /poy’-os/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + oy (diphthong) + os (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Interrogative Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: ποι- (poi-) interrogative stem
• Suffix: -ος (-os) adjectival ending
• Function: Forms an adjective asking about quality or kind

D – Defining Meanings

• What kind of?
• Which?
• What sort?
• Of what nature?
• What manner?

Translation Options:

• What kind of – Best captures the qualitative aspect
• Which – Emphasizes selection from options
• What sort of – Highlights nature/character inquiry

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τίς (tis) /tis/ – asks “who?” or “what?” – See G5101
• πόσος (posos) /pos’-os/ – asks “how much/many?” – See G4214
• ὁποῖος (hopoios) /hop-oy’-os/ – relative form meaning “what sort” – See G3697

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: 2nd/1st declension adjective

Examples:
Masculine: ποῖος, ποίου, ποίῳ, ποῖον
Feminine: ποία, ποίας, ποίᾳ, ποίαν
Neuter: ποῖον, ποίου, ποίῳ, ποῖον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its qualitative inquiry nature. Thayer’s notes its use in specific identification. LSJ traces its development in Greek questioning. Vine’s highlights its role in theological inquiry. Strong’s connects it to quality determination. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in questions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 19:18: “He said to him, ‘Which [ποίας] ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness.'”

Additional References:
Matthew 21:23, Matthew 24:42, Mark 11:28, Luke 6:32, John 12:33

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποῖος demonstrates the importance of asking precise questions about our faith and practice. It proclaims the good news by showing how Jesus and the apostles encouraged specific inquiry into truth, helping us understand exactly what God requires of us.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ποῖος appears 34 times in the New Testament
2. It’s often used in Jesus’ dialogues to prompt deeper thinking
3. The word played a key role in early Christian catechetical methods

Strong’s G4169: An interrogative adjective meaning “what kind of?” or “which?” Used to ask about quality, nature, or identity. In the New Testament, it often appears in questions seeking clarification or specifics, particularly in theological discussions and teachings about moral conduct.

Part of speech: Interrogative Adjective

Tags: question, inquiry, which, what kind, clarification, specific question, theological inquiry, teaching method, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, dialogue, catechesis​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​