adverb from a compound of πολύς and μέρος; in many portions, i.e. variously as to time and agency (piecemeal):--at sundry times.
Transliteration:polymerōs
Pronunciation:pol-oo-mer'-oce
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb πολυμερῶς (polymerōs, `{{G4181}}`) is a compound word derived from πολύς (polys, `{{G4183}}`), meaning "many" or "much," and μέρος (meros, `{{G3313}}`), meaning "part" or "portion." Therefore, its etymological core meaning is "in many parts," "in many portions," or "piecemeal." This conveys a sense of fragmentation, diversity, or succession over time rather than a singular, unified event. The primary semantic range for πολυμερῶς thus points to something occurring or being delivered in discrete segments, at different times, or through various agencies. It emphasizes the *manner* of something being distributed or revealed, highlighting its multifaceted and non-uniform nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word πολυμερῶς appears only once in the New Testament, in the pivotal opening verse of the Epistle to the Hebrews: "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, has in these last days spoken to us in His Son" [[Hebrews 1:1-2]].
In this context, πολυμερῶς describes the nature of God's revelation during the Old Testament era. Coupled with πολυτρόπως (polytropōs, `{{G4187}}`), meaning "in many ways" or "in various manners," the phrase "in many portions and in many ways" (πολυμερῶς καὶ πολυτρόπως) powerfully articulates the fragmented and diverse character of God's communication through the prophets.
* **"In many portions" (πολυμερῶς):** This signifies that God's revelation was not a single, complete disclosure but came in successive, often incomplete, segments over a long period. It implies a progressive unfolding of truth, where each revelation added to or clarified previous ones. This stands in contrast to the final, complete, and singular revelation in Christ.
* **"To the fathers in the prophets":** This specifies the recipients and agents of this segmented revelation. God spoke to the patriarchs and the people of Israel through various prophetic figures, each contributing a part to the divine message.
The use of πολυμερῶς here sets up a stark contrast between the Old Covenant revelation and the New Covenant revelation in Christ. The former was piecemeal and diverse; the latter is singular, ultimate, and embodied in the Son.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, πολυμερῶς is intrinsically linked to its etymological components:
* πολύς (polys, `{{G4183}}`): "many," "much," indicating multiplicity.
* μέρος (meros, `{{G3313}}`): "part," "portion," indicating division or segmentation.
Its most direct conceptual and contextual pairing is with πολυτρόπως (polytropōs, `{{G4187}}`), "in many ways." While πολυμερῶς emphasizes the *fragmented nature* (many portions over time) of the revelation, πολυτρόπως emphasizes the *diverse methods* (dreams, visions, direct speech, law, prophecy, etc.) by which God communicated. Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of the varied and progressive nature of Old Testament revelation.
The concept of "progressive revelation" is a key theological idea directly illuminated by πολυμερῶς. God did not reveal all truth at once, but gradually, over centuries, building upon previous disclosures until the fullness of time. This word underscores the incremental nature of divine pedagogy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πολυμερῶς in [[Hebrews 1:1]] is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Pedagogy:** It highlights God's patient and wise method of educating humanity. God did not overwhelm His people with the entirety of His truth at once but revealed it in manageable "portions" suitable for their understanding and spiritual capacity at different stages of salvation history.
2. **Progressive Revelation:** The word underscores the concept that divine truth was not static but unfolded progressively. Each "portion" built upon the last, leading to a more complete understanding of God's character, plan, and will. This prepares the reader for the ultimate and climactic revelation in Christ.
3. **Superiority of Christ's Revelation:** The fragmented nature of Old Testament revelation, conveyed by πολυμερῶς, serves as a stark contrast to the singular, complete, and final revelation in the Son. The "many portions" culminate in the one, perfect "Son," who is the full embodiment and expression of God's truth. This contrast is central to the Epistle's argument for the supremacy of Christ over all previous revelations, institutions, and figures.
4. **Continuity and Discontinuity:** While emphasizing the different *manner* of revelation, πολυμερῶς also subtly implies a continuity. The same God who spoke "in many portions" through the prophets is the same God who has now spoken in His Son. There is a unified divine source behind both the piecemeal and the ultimate revelations.
### Summary
πολυμερῶς (polymerōs, `{{G4181}}`) is a crucial adverb appearing singularly in [[Hebrews 1:1]], meaning "in many portions" or "piecemeal." It vividly describes the fragmented, diverse, and successive nature of God's revelation to humanity throughout the Old Testament era, delivered through various prophets over an extended period. When paired with πολυτρόπως ("in many ways"), it emphasizes both the temporal and methodological diversity of divine communication. Theologically, πολυμερῶς underscores God's patient and progressive pedagogy, laying the groundwork for the climactic and complete revelation found in His Son. It highlights the qualitative difference between the Old Covenant's partial disclosures and the New Covenant's ultimate, unified truth in Christ, thereby contributing significantly to the Epistle's central argument for Christ's supremacy.
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