### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **póthen**, represented by `{{G4159}}`, is an interrogative word asking **whence** something comes. It appears **28 times** across **26 unique verses**. It is used to question the origin of a person, a thing, an action, or a state, probing for its source or cause. Its usage often highlights a sense of mystery, astonishment, or confrontation regarding an unexplained origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4159}}` is frequently used to question the source of Jesus's authority and power. The people in his own country were astonished, asking, "**Whence** hath this man this **wisdom** `{{G4678}}`, and these **mighty works** `{{G1411}}`?" [[Matthew 13:54]]. This question is also posed by the Pharisees, who, after Jesus heals a blind man, state, "we **know** `{{G1492}}` not from **whence** he is" [[John 9:29]]. The word is also used to express human limitation in the face of need, as when the disciples ask Jesus, "**Whence** should we have so much **bread** `{{G740}}` in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?" [[Matthew 15:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and implications of questioning a source:
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (to see... to know): This word is frequently paired with `{{G4159}}` to express ignorance or a lack of understanding about an origin. In many cases, characters declare they "**know** not **whence**" something or someone comes from [[John 9:29]].
* `{{G4678}}` **sophía** (wisdom): The source of Jesus's divine **wisdom** is a major point of confusion for those who hear him, prompting them to ask "**whence** hath this man this **wisdom**" [[Mark 6:2]].
* `{{G1260}}` **dialogízomai** (to deliberate... to reason): A question of "whence" often forces internal debate. When Jesus asks about the origin of John's baptism, the chief priests "**reasoned** with themselves" about the implications of their answer [[Matthew 21:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4159}}` is significant, often centering on the divine identity of Christ and the source of spiritual realities.
* **The Mystery of the Incarnation:** The constant questioning of Jesus's origin ("**whence** is he?") points to the central mystery of his dual nature. Jesus himself addresses this, stating, "I **know** `{{G1492}}` **whence** I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell **whence** I come" [[John 8:14]].
* **The Source of Human Conflict:** James uses `{{G4159}}` to shift the focus of conflict from external causes to internal ones. He asks, "From **whence** come **wars** `{{G4171}}` and **fightings** `{{G3163}}` among you? come they not **hence** `{{G1782}}`, even of your **lusts** `{{G2237}}`?" [[James 4:1]].
* **The Unseen Origin of the Spirit:** The word is used to describe the work of the Holy Spirit, whose movements, like the wind, have a source that cannot be humanly traced or understood [[John 3:8]].
* **The Origin of Authority:** The question of "whence" is a direct challenge to authority. Jesus turns this question on the religious leaders regarding John's **baptism** `{{G908}}`, forcing them to confront its heavenly or earthly source [[Matthew 21:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4159}}` is more than a simple interrogative. It is a word that probes the very foundation of power, identity, and belief. It is used to express bewilderment at Christ's works, to challenge the source of spiritual authority, and to reveal the hidden origins of both human sin and divine action. The question of "whence" ultimately forces a choice: to remain in ignorance or to accept a source that is heavenly and beyond human understanding.
TRV