### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek interrogative adjective G4169 (ποῖος, *poîos*) derives from the base of ποῦ (where) and οἷος (such as), indicating a question concerning the *kind* or *nature* of something, or *which specific one* from a group. Unlike the more general interrogative `{{G5101}}` (τίς, *tis*), which asks simply "who?" or "what?", ποῖος seeks to identify a particular quality, character, or specific instance. Its semantic range thus encompasses:
1. **Qualitative Interrogation:** "What sort of?", "What kind of?", "Of what nature?" This inquires into the inherent characteristics or quality of a person, thing, or action.
2. **Selective Interrogation:** "Which one?", "Which particular?" This seeks to distinguish a specific item or instance from others, often in the context of time or choice.
The word compels a response that goes beyond mere identification, demanding a description of attributes or a precise selection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of G4169 in the New Testament consistently reflects its core meaning of qualitative or selective inquiry, often prompting profound theological reflection or practical discernment.
* **Qualitative Inquiry:**
* In [[Luke 6:32-34]], Jesus repeatedly asks, "For if you love those who love you, *what credit* is that to you?" (ποῖος χάρις). Here, ποῖος challenges the disciples to consider the *kind* or *quality* of their love and the associated reward, implying that a love limited to reciprocation offers no unique or divine merit.
* Paul uses ποῖος in [[Romans 3:27]] to ask, "By *what kind of* law? By a law of works? No, but by a law of faith." (ποιου νόμου). This question aims to distinguish the nature of the law by which boasting is excluded, emphasizing that it is a law grounded in faith, not human effort.
* In the context of the resurrection, [[1 Corinthians 15:35]] records the question, "And with *what kind of* body do they come?" (ποιῳ σώματι). This is a direct inquiry into the *nature* or *quality* of the resurrected body, prompting Paul's detailed explanation of its spiritual and glorious form.
* Jesus' predictions of his death, as recorded in [[John 21:19]] (and similarly [[John 12:33]], [[John 18:32]]), state that he signified "by *what kind of* death he would glorify God" (ποιῳ θανάτῳ). This use of ποῖος highlights the specific *manner* or *nature* of his death (crucifixion) as a means of glorification.
* **Selective Inquiry (often concerning time):**
* Jesus' admonition in [[Matthew 24:42]] to "stay awake, for you do not know on *what day* your Lord is coming" (ποίᾳ ἡμέρᾳ) uses ποῖος to emphasize the unknown, specific day of his return, calling for constant vigilance.
* Similarly, [[James 4:14]] highlights human ignorance: "Yet you do not know *what tomorrow will bring*." (ποία αὔριον). Here, ποῖος underscores the uncertainty of any specific future day or event in human life.
* The prophets, according to [[1 Peter 1:11]], were "inquiring *what person* or *what time* the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating" (ποῖον ἢ ποίαν καιρὸν). This demonstrates their search for the specific individual and the precise moment of Christ's sufferings and glories.
### Related Words & Concepts
G4169 (ποῖος) stands in a significant relationship with other Greek interrogatives and related concepts:
* **Contrast with `{{G5101}}` (τίς, *tis*):** While τίς is a general interrogative asking "who?" or "what?", ποῖος is more specific, asking "what *kind* of?" or "which *one*?". τίς seeks identification; ποῖος seeks characterization or selection.
* **Relationship with `{{G3634}}` (ὁποῖος, *hopoîos*):** ὁποῖος means "of what sort," "such as," and is often used in indirect questions or relative clauses. It shares the qualitative aspect of ποῖος but functions grammatically as a relative or indirect interrogative, whereas ποῖος is a direct interrogative adjective.
* **Relationship with `{{G4217}}` (ποταπός, *potapos*):** This word also means "what sort of" or "what kind of," but often conveys a sense of wonder, amazement, or even incredulity, as seen in [[2 Peter 3:11]] ("*what sort of* people ought you to be"). ποῖος is more neutral in its inquiry into quality.
* **Concepts:** The use of ποῖος often evokes concepts such as:
* **Discernment:** The need to distinguish between qualities, actions, or teachings.
* **Judgment:** Evaluating the nature or worth of something.
* **Sovereignty:** Highlighting human ignorance concerning divine timing and plans.
* **Vigilance:** The call to be prepared for events whose specific timing is unknown.
### Theological Significance
The precise nature of G4169 (ποῖος) lends it significant theological weight, particularly in areas of eschatology, ethics, and epistemology.
1. **Ethical Standards and Divine Expectations:** When Jesus asks "what credit" ([[Luke 6:32-34]]), he elevates the standard of righteousness beyond mere human reciprocity. He prompts a reflection on the *quality* of love and generosity that truly reflects God's character, challenging believers to embody a distinctive, divine ethic.
2. **Nature of Salvation and Resurrection:** The question of "what kind of law" ([[Romans 3:27]]) by which boasting is excluded underscores the fundamental shift from human works to divine grace through faith. Similarly, the inquiry into "what kind of body" ([[1 Corinthians 15:35]]) in the resurrection directs attention to the transformative power of God, revealing a glorious, spiritual existence beyond earthly limitations.
3. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Humility:** The repeated use of ποῖος concerning the timing of the Lord's return ([[Matthew 24:42]]) or the uncertainty of tomorrow ([[James 4:14]]) serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty over time and events. It calls for humility, vigilance, and trust in God's plan rather than presumption or anxiety. The inability to answer "which day" or "what tomorrow will bring" compels believers to live in constant readiness and dependence on God.
4. **Understanding Christ's Mission:** The references to "what kind of death" Christ would die ([[John 21:19]]) underscore the specific, redemptive nature of his crucifixion, which was not merely a historical event but a divinely ordained act of glorification and salvation.
### Summary
G4169 (ποῖος, *poîos*) is a precise Greek interrogative adjective that asks "what sort of?" or "which one?", focusing on the character, quality, or specific identification of something. Its usage in the New Testament is crucial for understanding ethical demands, the nature of salvation and resurrection, and the implications of divine sovereignty. It compels the audience to move beyond superficial understanding, prompting deeper reflection on the qualitative nature of faith, love, and the divine plan. The word consistently highlights the importance of discernment in spiritual matters and underscores the humility required in the face of God's undisclosed timings, urging believers towards vigilance and a life that reflects the distinctive quality of God's kingdom.
TRV