### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb πάντη (pántē, `{{G3839}}`) is derived from the adjective πᾶς (pas, `{{G3956}}`), meaning "all," "every," or "whole." As an adverb, πάντη conveys a sense of totality, completeness, or universality in manner or extent. Its core meaning encompasses "wholly," "altogether," "in every respect," "in every way," or "everywhere." While the King James Version often translates it as "always" in its sole New Testament occurrence, this rendering should be understood as "at all times and in all places" or "in every respect and at every moment," rather than a purely temporal "always." The emphasis is on the comprehensive nature of an action or state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb πάντη (pántē, `{{G3839}}`) appears only once in the Greek New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts.
* **[[Acts 24:3]]**: "We accept it *in every way* and *everywhere*, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness."
In this verse, Tertullus, the orator presenting the case against Paul to Governor Felix, employs πάντη as part of a highly flattering opening. He asserts that the Jews "in every way" (πάντη) and "everywhere" (πανταχοῦ, `{{G3837}}`) acknowledge and accept the reforms and peace brought about by Felix's administration. The use of πάντη here emphasizes the *completeness* and *universality* of their purported gratitude. It highlights the extent to which they supposedly benefit from and appreciate Felix's rule, serving as a rhetorical device to curry favor with the governor. The adverb modifies the verb "accept" (ἀποδεχόμεθα), indicating the manner and scope of their acceptance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of totality and universality in Greek is rich, and πάντη (pántē, `{{G3839}}`) is part of this broader lexical family.
* **πᾶς (pas, `{{G3956}}`)**: The foundational word, meaning "all," "every," "whole." πάντη is directly derived from this adjective, inheriting its core concept of totality.
* **πάντοτε (pantote, `{{G3842}}`)**: An adverb meaning "always," "at all times." While πάντη can sometimes imply a temporal "always" (as in the KJV translation of [[Acts 24:3]]), πάντοτε is explicitly temporal, focusing on continuous duration.
* **πάντως (pantōs, `{{G3843}}`)**: An adverb meaning "altogether," "certainly," "by all means." This word also conveys a sense of totality or certainty, often indicating that something is true in every respect or without exception.
* **πανταχοῦ (pantachou, `{{G3837}}`)**: An adverb meaning "everywhere," "in every place." This word, used in conjunction with πάντη in [[Acts 24:3]], emphasizes spatial universality, complementing πάντη's emphasis on completeness in manner or extent.
These related terms collectively demonstrate the nuanced ways in which the Greek language expresses concepts of entirety, universality, and completeness, whether in terms of time, place, manner, or certainty.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular occurrence in the New Testament within a secular, rhetorical context (Tertullus's speech to Governor Felix in [[Acts 24:3]]), πάντη (pántē, `{{G3839}}`) does not carry direct, inherent theological significance. Its primary contribution is to the *rhetorical analysis* of the New Testament text, showcasing the persuasive language used by human agents.
However, the underlying concept of "wholly" or "in every respect" resonates with broader theological themes, even if this specific adverb does not directly articulate them. Biblical theology frequently speaks of God's comprehensive attributes (e.g., His omnipresence, omnipotence, omniscience), the completeness of His redemptive work, or the call for believers to be wholly devoted to Him. While other Greek words (like πᾶς, `{{G3956}}`) are typically employed to convey these profound theological truths, πάντη serves as a linguistic example of how the Greek language expresses the idea of totality in human discourse. Its use in [[Acts 24:3]] highlights human flattery and exaggeration, contrasting implicitly with the divine truth that God alone is truly "wholly" and "everywhere" in His being and action.
### Summary
πάντη (pántē, `{{G3839}}`) is a Greek adverb derived from πᾶς (pas, `{{G3956}}`), signifying "wholly," "altogether," "in every respect," or "in every way." It denotes completeness or universality in manner or extent. Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Acts 24:3]], where it is used by Tertullus to express the purported comprehensive gratitude of the Jews towards Governor Felix. While not bearing direct theological weight, πάντη enriches our understanding of the rhetorical nuances within the New Testament, illustrating how the Greek language expresses concepts of totality and completeness in human communication.
TRV