Brief Overview of ποταπός (Strong’s G4217: potapos)

Strong’s G4217: An interrogative adjective meaning “what sort of?” or “what manner of?” Used in New Testament contexts expressing amazement or wonder, particularly regarding Christ’s nature and actions. Originally meant “from what country?” but evolved to question character and quality.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποταπός expresses wonderment and amazement at the nature or quality of something or someone. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of people marveling at Jesus’ authority over nature, the Father’s love, and the quality of stones in the temple. Originally asking about geographic origin, it evolved to question essential character. Early church writers used it to explore Christ’s divine nature. Today, it continues to prompt reflection on the extraordinary qualities of Jesus and His kingdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποταπός, potapos, po-ta-POS
• Detailed pronunciation: poh-tah-POSS (stress on final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Interrogative Adjective

Etymology:

• Derived from ποδαπός (podapos)
• Related to πόθεν (pothen) – from where
• Evolution from “from what country?” to “of what sort?”

D – Defining Meanings

• What sort of?
• What kind of?
• What manner of?

Translation Options:

• “What sort of” – emphasizes quality
• “What kind of” – more colloquial equivalent
• “Of what nature” – more formal rendering

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποῖος (poios, POY-os) – of what kind – See G4169
• πόθεν (pothen, PO-then) – from where – See G4159
• τίς (tis, TEES) – who, what – See G5101

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter forms
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd/1st declension pattern

Example morphological changes:

• Masculine: ποταπός
• Feminine: ποταπή
• Neuter: ποταπόν

Cross-references:

• No verbal forms
• Used only as interrogative adjective

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its evolution from geographical to qualitative inquiry. Thayer’s notes its use in expressions of wonder. LSJ documents classical usage development. Vine’s highlights its interrogative force. Strong’s connects it to character assessment. LEH notes Septuagint patterns. Moulton and Milligan cite everyday usage in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 8:27: “But the men marvelled, saying, [ποταπός] What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!”

Additional References:
Mark 13:1
Luke 1:29
Luke 7:39
2 Peter 3:11
1 John 3:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποταπός captures humanity’s wonderment at divine revelation. From the disciples’ amazement at Jesus’ authority to John’s marvel at God’s love, it expresses our encounter with the extraordinary nature of Christ and His kingdom. This word invites us to continually ponder and marvel at the character and works of our Lord.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word’s meaning evolved from geographic to qualitative inquiry.
2. Early Christian writers used it extensively in Christological discussions.
3. It appears in ancient philosophical texts discussing essential nature.

Strong’s G4217: An interrogative adjective meaning “what sort of?” or “what manner of?” Used in New Testament contexts expressing amazement or wonder, particularly regarding Christ’s nature and actions. Originally meant “from what country?” but evolved to question character and quality.

Part of speech: Interrogative Adjective

Tags: wonder, amazement, quality, character, Christ’s nature, divine authority, marveling, inquiry, revelation, spiritual insight​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​