### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **polymerōs**, represented by `{{G4181}}`, means to do something **in many portions** or **piecemeal**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. The term is an adverb derived from a compound of words meaning "many" and "portions," indicating an action that occurred variously as to time and agency, or "at sundry times."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G4181}}` is foundational to the opening of the book of Hebrews. It describes the method of God's revelation in former ages, stating that **God** `{{G2316}}`, who **at sundry times** and in divers manners **spake** `{{G2980}}` in time past unto the fathers by the prophets [[Hebrews 1:1]]. Here, **polymerōs** establishes that God's communication through the prophets was not delivered all at once, but rather in separate parts over a long period.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its immediate context clarify the meaning of `{{G4181}}`:
* `{{G4187}}` **polytrópōs**: This adverb, meaning "in many ways," appears alongside **polymerōs** in [[Hebrews 1:1]]. It describes the varied methods and forms God used to speak, while **polymerōs** describes the fragmented, portion-by-portion timing of that speech.
* `{{G2980}}` **laléō**: This word for "to talk" or "to speak" is the verb being modified. God **spake** `{{G2980}}` in this piecemeal fashion, indicating the act of divine utterance.
* `{{G3819}}` **pálai**: Meaning "formerly" or "in time past," this adverb sets the timeframe for the piecemeal revelation, distinguishing it from a more recent event [[Hebrews 1:1]].
* `{{G4396}}` **prophḗtēs**: This word for "prophet" or "inspired speaker" identifies the human agents through whom God delivered these many portions of revelation [[Hebrews 1:1]].
### Theological Significance
Theologically, the use of `{{G4181}}` is highly significant, establishing a key concept right at the start of Hebrews.
* **Progressive Revelation:** The word inherently points to the idea that God's revelation was gradual and cumulative. He did not reveal His entire plan in a single moment but **spake** `{{G2980}}` in many portions over generations.
* **Method of God's Speech:** The term, used with **polytrópōs** `{{G4187}}`, highlights that God's communication **in time past** `{{G3819}}` was intentionally varied and partial, delivered through many different **prophets** `{{G4396}}` to the **fathers** `{{G3962}}`.
* **A Foundation for Contrast:** By describing past revelation as being "in many portions," the author sets up a deliberate contrast that is central to the argument of the chapter, differentiating the fragmented communication of the past from a more unified form of communication.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4181}}` is a concise and powerful adverb that, in its single scriptural appearance, defines the nature of Old Testament revelation. It conveys that God's speech through the prophets was sequential, partial, and delivered "at sundry times." This single word provides the crucial context for understanding that God's communication with humanity has occurred in distinct phases, with the past being characterized by this portion-by-portion method.
TRV