Brief Overview of ποτέ (Strong’s G4218: pote)

Strong’s G4218: An enclitic particle meaning “at some time, ever, once,” used to indicate indefinite time in the past or future. In New Testament usage, often highlights transformative moments, particularly in describing conversion experiences and spiritual change. Emphasizes the contrast between “then” and “now.”

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποτέ serves as a temporal marker indicating an indefinite time, whether past or future. In the New Testament, it frequently appears in contexts describing spiritual transformation, contrasting former life with new life in Christ. Paul often uses it to emphasize the dramatic change in believers’ lives. Early church writers employed this term to highlight conversion experiences and God’s transformative work. Today, it continues to underscore the radical nature of spiritual transformation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποτέ, pote, po-TE
• Detailed pronunciation: poh-TEH (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Enclitic Particle

Etymology:

• From PIE *kwo- (interrogative stem)
• Related to πότε (when?)
• Enclitic form losing accent in context

D – Defining Meanings

• At some time
• Once, formerly
• Ever

Translation Options:

• “Once” – emphasizes past state
• “At some time” – more indefinite
• “Ever” – in questions or negatives

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πότε (pote, PO-teh) – when? – See G4219
• πώποτε (pōpote, PO-po-teh) – ever yet – See G4455
• οὐδέποτε (oudepote, oo-DEH-po-teh) – never – See G3763

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an enclitic particle, ποτέ:

• Is indeclinable
• Usually loses its accent
• Attaches to preceding word
• Can modify verbs, adjectives, or other particles

Cross-references:

• Often combines with other particles
• Forms compounds with negatives

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its temporal indefiniteness. Thayer’s notes its use in conversion contexts. LSJ documents classical temporal usage. Vine’s highlights its role in contrasting past and present. Strong’s connects it to indefinite time reference. LEH notes Septuagint patterns. Moulton and Milligan cite common epistolary usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 22:32: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art [ποτέ] converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

Additional References:
Romans 7:9
Ephesians 2:2
Ephesians 2:13
Colossians 1:21
Titus 3:3
1 Peter 2:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποτέ powerfully marks the contrast between life before and after Christ. Whether highlighting past darkness or future hope, it reminds us that transformation in Christ is real and definitive. This word proclaims that through the gospel, what we once were need not determine what we become in Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears frequently in ancient conversion narratives.
2. Early Christian writers used it to mark spiritual turning points.
3. It often appears in baptismal formulas contrasting old and new life.

Strong’s G4218: An enclitic particle meaning “at some time, ever, once,” used to indicate indefinite time in the past or future. In New Testament usage, often highlights transformative moments, particularly in describing conversion experiences and spiritual change.

Part of speech: Enclitic Particle

Tags: time, conversion, transformation, past life, spiritual change, contrast, Paul’s epistles, testimony, former life, new creation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​