Brief Overview of πώς (Strong’s G4458: pōs)

Strong’s G4458: An interrogative adverb meaning “how?” or “in what manner?” Used extensively in New Testament questions about method, manner, or possibility. First appears in Matthew 6:28, reflecting its importance in both practical and theological inquiry.

U- Unveiling the Word

πώς serves as the primary interrogative for exploring method, manner, and possibility in Koine Greek. Unlike its unaccented counterpart πως (somehow), this word introduces direct questions seeking specific explanation or understanding. In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts ranging from practical inquiries to profound theological questions about salvation and divine activity. Early church fathers frequently used this word in theological discourse to explore the mysteries of faith. Today, this word reminds us of the importance of asking meaningful questions in our spiritual journey.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πώς, pōs, /pɔs/
• Pronunciation Guide: “pohs” (with rising tone)
• Part of Speech: Interrogative Adverb

Etymology:

• Root: πω- (pō-) Indo-European interrogative base
• Final -ς (-s) adverbial ending
• Accent distinguishes it from enclitic πως

D – Defining Meanings

• How?
• In what way?
• By what means?
• To what extent?

Translation Options:

• How – Most common and versatile translation
• In what way – Emphasizes manner
• By what means – Highlights method

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποῦ (pou) /pu/ – where? – See G4226
• πότε (pote) /ˈpote/ – when? – See G4219
• διατί (diati) /diaˈti/ – why? – See G1302

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• As an interrogative adverb, πώς:
• Is indeclinable
• Always carries an acute accent
• Must begin its clause
• Can introduce both direct and indirect questions
• No inflection needed as it’s an invariable form

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its role in both direct and indirect questions. Thayer’s notes its distinction from the enclitic form. LSJ provides examples of various types of inquiry. Vine’s highlights its use in theological questioning. Strong’s connects it to manner and means. LEH traces its extensive Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in everyday questions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And [πώς] why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow.” Matthew 6:28

Additional References:
Matthew 12:29, Mark 3:23, Luke 1:34, John 3:4, John 3:9, Acts 2:8, Romans 3:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πώς plays a crucial role in both human inquiry and divine revelation. Through questions introduced by this word, we see people wrestling with the mysteries of faith and Jesus guiding them to deeper understanding. It proclaims the good news by showing that God welcomes our honest questions and uses them to lead us into truth.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears over 100 times in the New Testament questions.
2. Ancient Greek philosophers considered the “how” question fundamental to wisdom.
3. Early Christian catechisms were often structured around πώς questions.

Strong’s G4458: An interrogative adverb used to ask “how?” or explore manner and method. Essential in both practical and theological inquiry throughout Scripture. Distinguished from its enclitic counterpart by accent and function in introducing direct questions.

Part of speech: Interrogative Adverb

Tags: how, question, inquiry, manner, method, means, investigation, understanding, theological questions, spiritual inquiry, teaching, learning​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​