multiplicative adverb from πολύς; many times, i.e. frequently:--oft(-en, -entimes, -times).
Transliteration:pollákis
Pronunciation:pol-lak'-is
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb πολλάκις (pollákis, `{{G4178}}`) is derived from the adjective πολύς (polys, `{{G4183}}`), meaning "much" or "many." As a multiplicative adverb, πολλάκις fundamentally conveys the sense of "many times," "often," or "frequently." It denotes a high degree of repetition or recurrence of an action, event, or state. Unlike words that specify exact numbers, πολλάκις emphasizes the non-singular, repeated nature of an occurrence, highlighting its frequency rather than its precise count. Its semantic range is thus confined to indicating a regular or numerous happening.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
πολλάκις appears sixteen times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Pauline epistles, offering significant insights into divine interaction, apostolic experience, and theological distinctions.
In the Gospels, πολλάκις underscores divine patience and human resistance. In [[Matthew 23:37]] and [[Luke 13:34]], Jesus laments over Jerusalem: "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" Here, πολλάκις highlights the persistent, repeated overtures of God's grace and protection, met by a stubborn and frequent rejection from the people. The adverb emphasizes the long-suffering nature of divine love.
In the Pauline epistles, πολλάκις frequently describes the apostle's arduous experiences and pastoral concerns. In [[2 Corinthians 11:23]], Paul enumerates his sufferings for Christ: "in labors more abundant, in prisons more frequently, in stripes without measure, in deaths often." The phrase "in prisons more frequently" (ἐν φυλακαῖς περισσοτέρως) and "in deaths often" (ἐν θανάτοις πολλάκις) powerfully conveys the relentless and repeated nature of the dangers and persecutions he endured. Similarly, in [[2 Corinthians 11:26]], he speaks of "dangers often" (κινδύνοις πολλάκις), reinforcing the constant peril of his missionary journeys. This repeated use of πολλάκις serves to magnify the extent of his sacrifice and commitment. Paul also uses it to describe his repeated desire to visit the Roman believers ([[Romans 15:22]]) and his warnings to the Philippians about false teachers ([[Philippians 3:18]]), indicating a consistent pastoral concern. In [[1 Timothy 5:23]], it refers to Timothy's "frequent ailments" (πυκνὰς ἀσθενείας), suggesting a chronic health issue.
Perhaps one of the most theologically potent uses of πολλάκις is found in the Epistle to the Hebrews. In [[Hebrews 9:25]] and [[Hebrews 9:26]], the word is used in a negative contrast to emphasize the singular, definitive nature of Christ's sacrifice. The author states that Christ did not enter "to offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own" ([[Hebrews 9:25]]). The πολλάκις here refers to the repeated, annual sacrifices of the Old Covenant. The subsequent verse solidifies the contrast: "Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer often since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself" ([[Hebrews 9:26]]). This use of πολλάκις powerfully underscores the unique and final efficacy of Christ's single, perfect atonement, rendering the repeated Old Covenant sacrifices obsolete.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is πολύς (polys, `{{G4183}}`), the adjective from which πολλάκις is derived, meaning "much," "many," or "great." This etymological link directly informs the quantitative aspect of πολλάκις.
Other Greek words conveying frequency or duration, though distinct in nuance, offer points of comparison:
* ἀεί (aei, `{{G104}}`): "always," "ever," indicating continuous action without interruption, a higher degree of constancy than πολλάκις.
* διὰ παντὸς (dia pantos): "continually," "at all times," similar to ἀεί.
* πυκνός (pyknos, `{{G4437}}`): "frequent," "numerous," as seen in [[1 Timothy 5:23]] in relation to "frequent ailments." While πολλάκις is an adverb, πυκνός is an adjective.
The concept of πολλάκις is intrinsically linked to themes of:
* **Perseverance and Endurance:** Especially in the context of suffering, where frequent trials demand sustained faith.
* **Divine Patience:** God's repeated outreach despite human rejection.
* **The Finality of Christ's Work:** The contrast between repeated Old Covenant actions and Christ's singular, decisive act.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πολλάκις is multifaceted, illuminating key aspects of divine character, human experience, and Christological truth.
Firstly, in passages like [[Matthew 23:37]] and [[Luke 13:34]], πολλάκις reveals the profound patience and persistent love of God. Despite the "often" repeated rejection by His chosen people, God continually extends invitations for repentance and protection. This highlights divine long-suffering and the tragic reality of human unwillingness. It underscores that God's judgment is not arbitrary but follows a long history of rejected grace.
Secondly, in the context of Paul's ministry ([[2 Corinthians 11:23]], [[2 Corinthians 11:26]]), πολλάκις portrays the demanding and often perilous nature of apostolic service. The "many times" of imprisonment, beatings, and dangers testify to the cost of discipleship and the unwavering commitment required to advance the Gospel. This frequency of suffering serves not only to validate Paul's apostleship but also to encourage believers to endure their own trials, knowing that suffering is often a repeated component of faithful service. It speaks to the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for persistent reliance on God.
Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, πολλάκις in Hebrews ([[Hebrews 9:25]], [[Hebrews 9:26]]) serves as a critical theological marker for understanding the superiority of the New Covenant. By contrasting the "often" repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament high priests with Christ's "once for all" (ἐφάπαξ, `{{G2170}}`) sacrifice, the author emphasizes the absolute perfection, efficacy, and finality of Christ's atoning work. The repetitive nature of the Old Covenant sacrifices underscored their inadequacy to truly remove sin, whereas Christ's single offering definitively accomplished redemption. This contrast elevates the uniqueness and completeness of Christ's atonement, rendering any further sacrifice unnecessary and highlighting the finished work of the cross.
### Summary
The Greek adverb πολλάκις (pollákis, `{{G4178}}`) signifies "many times" or "frequently." It is a multiplicative adverb derived from πολύς (polys, `{{G4183}}`), emphasizing the recurrence of an action or event without specifying a precise number. In the New Testament, πολλάκις illuminates several significant theological truths:
* It underscores God's persistent patience and repeated overtures of grace towards humanity, even in the face of frequent rejection ([[Matthew 23:37]]).
* It highlights the recurring sufferings and relentless dedication of the apostles, particularly Paul, affirming the costly nature of faithful ministry and the need for endurance ([[2 Corinthians 11:23]]).
* Most crucially, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, πολλάκις is used to contrast the repeated, insufficient sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the singular, perfect, and eternally efficacious sacrifice of Jesus Christ, thereby accentuating the finality and superiority of His atonement ([[Hebrews 9:25]]).
Thus, πολλάκις, though a simple adverb of frequency, carries profound weight in conveying divine long-suffering, human perseverance, and the unique, decisive nature of Christ's redemptive work.
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