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Has anyone ever told you: יהוה (Yahweh) God loves you and has a great plan for your life?
Has anyone ever told you: יהוה (Yahweh) God loves you and has a great plan for your life?
Strong’s G4187: An adverb formed from polus (many) and tropos (way, manner), meaning “in many ways” or “in various manners.” Used in Hebrews to describe God’s diverse methods of revelation throughout history before Christ’s incarnation.
Πολυτρόπως describes the varied and multifaceted ways God communicated with humanity before Christ. This compound word emphasizes both the quantity and diversity of divine revelation methods. In Hebrews, it appears alongside πολυμερῶς (in many portions) to contrast God’s earlier revelations with His final word through Christ. Early church fathers often used this term to discuss the progression of divine revelation, emphasizing how God adapted His communication to human understanding throughout history. Today, it reminds us of God’s patient and progressive self-disclosure culminating in Christ.
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Etymology:
For compound words:
Πολύς intensifies τρόπος, while the -ως suffix makes it describe how an action occurs. Together, they express the multiple and varied ways something happens.
Translation Options:
As an adverb, πολυτρόπως is indeclinable, meaning its form doesn’t change based on its relationship to other words in the sentence. However, it’s related to:
The -ως ending marks it consistently as an adverb of manner, answering the question “how?”
BDAG emphasizes its unique appearance in Hebrews 1:1 and its connection to divine revelation. Thayer’s links it to classical Greek usage describing versatile communication. LSJ notes extensive usage in philosophical texts discussing methodology. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in progressive revelation. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature expressing multiplicity. LEH connects it to Septuagint descriptions of divine communication. Moulton and Milligan cite similar usage in Hellenistic literature.
First appearance:
Hebrews 1:1: “God, who at sundry times and [πολυτρόπως] in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets.”
Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 1:1.
Author: Work | Text |
---|---|
Homer: Odyssey | “Odysseus, who [πολυτρόπως] in many ways struggled through his journey.” |
Plato: Republic | “The soul must be trained [πολυτρόπως] through various methods.” |
Plutarch: Moralia | “Nature reveals truth [πολυτρόπως] through different manifestations.” |
Πολυτρόπως beautifully captures God’s patient and varied approach to revelation throughout history. Like a master teacher adapting methods for different students, God used various ways to reveal Himself before ultimately speaking through His Son. This reminds us that while God’s truth is unchanging, His methods of communication show His loving accommodation to human understanding, culminating in the incarnation of Jesus.
Strong’s G4187: An adverb formed from polus (many) and tropos (way, manner), meaning “in many ways” or “in various manners.” Used in Hebrews to describe God’s diverse methods of revelation throughout history before Christ’s incarnation.
Part of speech: Adverb
Tags: revelation, divine communication, methods, Hebrews, compound words, progressive revelation, Old Testament, prophecy, teaching, biblical interpretation
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
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