from ὅς and πῶς; what(-ever) how, i.e. in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual):--because, how, (so) that, to, when.
Transliteration:hópōs
Pronunciation:hop'-oce
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek particle G3704 (hópōs) is a versatile term derived from the relative pronoun ὅς (hos, "who/which") and the interrogative/indefinite adverb πῶς (pōs, "how/in what way"). This etymological foundation yields its core meaning: "in what manner," "howsoever," or "in order that." Its semantic range extends across two primary grammatical functions:
1. **Adverb:** In this capacity, hópōs signifies "how" or "in what way," describing the manner in which an action occurs. While less frequent, this usage focuses on the methodology or nature of an event.
2. **Conjunction:** This is its most prevalent and theologically significant use in the New Testament. As a conjunction, hópōs primarily introduces clauses of purpose, meaning "in order that," "so that," or "to the end that." It expresses the aim, intention, or goal of the main clause's action. Less commonly, it can also introduce clauses of result ("with the result that") or, in certain contexts, indicate a temporal or causal relationship ("when," "because"), though the sense of purpose or intended outcome often remains implicit. The particle thus highlights intentionality, whether divine or human, in the unfolding of events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G3704 appears frequently throughout the New Testament, predominantly serving to articulate purpose. Its usage often illuminates the divine plan or the ethical motivations of human actions.
* **Purpose (most common):**
* Divine Purpose: hópōs frequently underscores God's intentionality in salvation history. For instance, in [[John 3:16]], while ἵνα is used, the concept is similar to how hópōs might express God's sending His Son "in order that" the world might be saved. In [[John 17:3]], Jesus defines eternal life: "This is eternal life, hópōs they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Here, hópōs articulates the very essence and purpose of eternal life as a knowing relationship with God. Similarly, in [[Acts 15:17]], the Gentiles are called "that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord," emphasizing God's broader redemptive purpose.
* Fulfillment of Prophecy: hópōs is often employed to introduce clauses indicating the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, emphasizing divine design and control over historical events. For example, in [[Matthew 2:23]], Joseph and Mary settle in Nazareth "hópōs what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene." This usage highlights the preordained nature of Christ's life and ministry.
* Human Purpose/Responsibility: The term also describes the intentions behind human actions, whether good or ill. In [[Matthew 6:5]], Jesus warns against hypocritical prayer: "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, hópōs they may be seen by others." Here, hópōs exposes the self-serving motive behind their religious display. Conversely, it can express righteous motivation, such as living "hópōs you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil" [[Ephesians 6:11]], indicating a purposeful spiritual discipline.
* **Manner/How (less common):**
* In [[Luke 24:20]], the disciples recount to Jesus on the road to Emmaus "hópōs our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified him," describing the *manner* in which Jesus was treated.
The contextual analysis of hópōs consistently points to underlying intentionality, making it a crucial word for understanding the "why" behind biblical narratives and exhortations.
### Related Words & Concepts
G3704 shares semantic space with several other Greek particles and conjunctions, particularly those expressing purpose or result, yet often carries its own nuanced emphasis.
* **ἵνα (hina `{{G2443}}`):** This is perhaps the most common Greek conjunction of purpose ("in order that," "so that"). While often interchangeable with hópōs in purpose clauses, ἵνα can also introduce commands or exhortations. Some scholars suggest hópōs might occasionally carry a stronger sense of *how* the purpose is to be achieved, or a more direct consequence, compared to the broader purposive scope of ἵνα.
* **ὥστε (hōste `{{G5620}}`):** Primarily a conjunction of result ("so that," "with the result that"). While hópōs can sometimes imply result, ὥστε explicitly states the consequence rather than the intention.
* **μή (mē `{{G3361}}`):** When hópōs is negated with μή (e.g., hópōs mē), it expresses negative purpose ("in order that not," "lest").
* **πῶς (pōs `{{G4459}}`):** The root adverb "how," from which hópōs is partly derived, clearly relates to its use in expressing manner.
* **Teleology:** The study of ends or purposes. The frequent use of hópōs to denote purpose underscores the strong teleological dimension of biblical theology, emphasizing that God's actions and commands are always directed toward specific, predetermined ends.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** The consistent use of hópōs to describe divine purposes highlights God's active, intentional governance over creation and history, ensuring His plans come to fruition.
* **Human Agency and Responsibility:** When applied to human actions, hópōs connects actions to their intended outcomes, underscoring the ethical dimension of choice and the purposeful nature of obedience.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3704 is profound, primarily because it so frequently unveils divine purpose and intention within the biblical narrative.
1. **Revelation of God's Intentionality:** hópōs repeatedly points to God as an intentional, purposeful agent in history. Events, from the calling of Abraham to the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ, are not random occurrences but part of a meticulously designed divine plan. This emphasizes God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive purposes. The fulfillment of prophecy, often introduced by hópōs, powerfully demonstrates that God's word is reliable and His ultimate plan for salvation will be accomplished.
2. **The Nature of Salvation:** In passages like [[John 17:3]], hópōs defines the very essence of eternal life not merely as longevity, but as a purposeful relationship of knowing God. This elevates knowledge of God from a mere intellectual exercise to the ultimate goal and experience of eternal existence.
3. **Ethical Imperative for Believers:** When applied to human conduct, hópōs transforms actions into purposeful endeavors. Believers are called to live, pray, and act *in order that* they might glorify God, bear fruit, avoid sin, or build up the body of Christ. This shifts the focus from mere adherence to rules to a life lived with intentionality and a clear aim to please God and advance His kingdom. It underscores that Christian living is not aimless but purposeful, directed towards specific spiritual and moral outcomes.
4. **Assurance and Hope:** The consistent revelation of God's purposes through hópōs provides a foundation for Christian hope and assurance. Believers can trust that God is working all things together for good, according to His eternal purposes, even amidst suffering or uncertainty.
### Summary
The Greek particle G3704 (hópōs) is a highly significant term in the New Testament, primarily functioning as a conjunction of purpose ("in order that," "so that") and secondarily as an adverb of manner ("how"). Its etymological roots in "who/which" and "how" perfectly capture its dual capacity to express both the intended outcome and the way in which it is achieved.
Theologically, hópōs is indispensable for understanding the intentionality behind divine action, revealing God as the sovereign orchestrator of salvation history who meticulously works all things according to His eternal plan. It frequently introduces the fulfillment of prophecy, underscoring the reliability of God's word and His control over historical events. Furthermore, when applied to human conduct, hópōs highlights the purposeful nature of Christian ethics, calling believers to live with specific, God-honoring aims. In essence, hópōs consistently points to the "why" and the "how" of biblical events and commands, underscoring the profound teleological dimension of God's redemptive work and the purposeful nature of the Christian life.
TRV