from ὅς and ποτέ; what(-ever) then, i.e. (of time) as soon as:--when.
Transliteration:hopóte
Pronunciation:hop-ot'-eh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G3698}}` (hopóte) is a temporal conjunction formed from `{{G3739}}` (hos), meaning "who, which, what," and `{{G4218}}` (pote), meaning "at some time, ever, once." Its core meaning conveys a temporal relationship, specifically "when" or "as soon as." Unlike conjunctions that might indicate duration or a general timeframe, hopóte emphasizes the particular *point* or *occasion* at which an event occurs. It signifies a specific moment or the fulfillment of a condition that immediately precedes or triggers another action, often implying a sense of readiness or expectation for that moment to arrive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hopóte (`{{G3698}}`) is remarkably rare in the New Testament, appearing only once:
* **[[Luke 6:3]]**: "And Jesus answered them, 'Have you not read what David did *when* he was hungry, he and those who were with him:'" (οὐδὲ τοῦτο ἀνέγνωτε ὃ ἐποίησεν Δαυὶδ **ὁπότε** ἐπείνασεν αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ μετ' αὐτοῦ)
In this solitary instance, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees' accusation that His disciples have violated the Sabbath by plucking heads of grain. To defend His disciples, Jesus references the actions of King David, who, in a moment of extreme hunger, ate the consecrated bread from the tabernacle, which was lawful only for priests. The use of hopóte here precisely marks the specific *occasion*—the moment David and his companions were hungry—as the justifying circumstance for an action that would otherwise be considered unlawful. It highlights the particular necessity that prompted David's choice, underscoring that the *when* (the specific exigency) was critical to the interpretation of the law in that situation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Hopóte belongs to a family of Greek words expressing temporal relationships, but it carries a distinct nuance.
* **`{{G3753}}` (hote):** The most common Greek word for "when," often indicating a simple, definite point in time or a general temporal connection. hote is a more straightforward temporal marker.
* **`{{G3752}}` (hotan):** Meaning "whenever" or "when (at any time)," this conjunction combines hote with the particle an, suggesting a more indefinite, conditional, or repeated action. It points to a general truth or a future contingency.
* **`{{G2540}}` (kairos):** Refers to a specific, opportune, or appointed time, often with a qualitative or significant aspect.
* **`{{G5550}}` (chronos):** Denotes a period of time, duration, or chronological sequence.
While all these terms relate to time, hopóte in [[Luke 6:3]] specifically points to the *circumstance* or *occasion* that triggered an event, emphasizing the *point* of necessity. It is less about the general "when" and more about the "when this specific thing happened."
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, hopóte in [[Luke 6:3]] carries profound theological weight within the Lukan narrative. By using this precise temporal conjunction, Jesus subtly yet powerfully draws attention to the *circumstance* of David's hunger as the pivotal factor in his actions. This highlights a critical principle in Jesus' teaching regarding the Law: that human need, particularly in moments of genuine necessity, can and should inform the application of religious strictures.
The phrase "when he was hungry" (hopóte ἐπείνασεν) elevates the human condition and God's compassionate regard for it. It suggests that the Law, while divine, is not an arbitrary burden but a guide intended for the well-being of humanity. Jesus' argument implies that the spirit of the Law, which includes mercy and provision for life, takes precedence over rigid adherence to its letter when life itself is at stake. This instance contributes to Jesus' broader reinterpretation of the Sabbath, culminating in statements like "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" ([[Mark 2:27]]), affirming the Lordship of the Son of Man even over the Sabbath ([[Luke 6:5]]). The specific "when" of hopóte therefore becomes a key to understanding divine priorities and the compassionate heart of God revealed through Christ.
### Summary
Hopóte (`{{G3698}}`) is a rare but significant Greek temporal conjunction meaning "when" or "as soon as," uniquely emphasizing the specific point or occasion that triggers an event. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 6:3]] is highly illustrative. In this passage, Jesus uses hopóte to reference David's hunger, highlighting that the specific circumstance of necessity justified an action (eating consecrated bread) that would otherwise be unlawful. Theologically, this use underscores Jesus' teaching on the compassionate application of the Law, where human need and the preservation of life can supersede ceremonial requirements. It reveals a God who prioritizes mercy and the well-being of His people, providing a foundational insight into the spirit of the Law as interpreted by Christ.
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