The Greek word hopóte, represented by G3698, is a temporal term meaning when or as soon as. It is derived from the words ὅς G3739 and ποτέ. This word is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, making its single usage particularly significant.
The sole appearance of G3698 is in a response from Jesus G2424. When questioned, He answers G611 by referencing a historical event to make a point. He asks, "Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred" Luke 6:3. Here, hopóte pinpoints the specific moment and circumstance of David's G1138 action, framing it as a response to a time of need. The word functions as a precise temporal marker that is crucial to Jesus's argument.
Several related words from its context help illuminate the meaning of the passage:
- G2424 Iēsoûs (Jesus, the name of our Lord): He is the speaker who employs G3698 to draw a parallel between a past event and the present situation, asserting his authority to interpret scripture Luke 6:3.
- G1138 Dabíd (David, the Israelite king): The historical figure whose actions provide the precedent Jesus refers to. The word G3698 introduces the specific time of his action Luke 6:3.
- G3983 peináō (to famish; figuratively, to crave): This describes the state of being "an hungred," which is the critical circumstance that is linked to the timing of the action by the word when Luke 6:3.
- G4160 poiéō (to make or do): This signifies the action David "did" at the precise moment indicated by G3698, which forms the basis of Jesus's teaching in the passage Luke 6:3.
The theological weight of G3698 is tied entirely to its single use, where it underpins a key teaching from Jesus.
- Scriptural Precedent: The word is used to anchor Jesus's argument in a specific, recorded moment. It highlights how a past event, "when David was an hungred," serves as a valid precedent for understanding God's principles Luke 6:3.
- Circumstantial Need: By linking the action directly to a time of hunger G3983, hopóte emphasizes that need is a critical factor in evaluating actions. Jesus uses it to shift focus from legalistic observance to the underlying human condition.
- Christ's Authority: Jesus's use of this event, introduced by G3698, is an exercise of His authority. He interprets the scriptures to reveal their deeper meaning, demonstrating that He is the Lord who is able to rightly apply the law Luke 6:3.
In summary, while hopóte G3698 is one of the rarest words in the Bible, its single use is pivotal. It functions as a hinge in Jesus's argument in Luke 6:3, precisely connecting an action to the time of a specific need. This demonstrates how a single, carefully chosen temporal word can establish a theological precedent and reveal deeper truths about mercy and authority.
TRV