### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pósos**, represented by `{{G4214}}`, is an interrogative pronoun used to question amount. It appears **27 times** across **27 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition is **how much, large, long, or many**. It functions as a way to measure quantity, degree, or value, often in a comparative or rhetorical sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4214}}` is frequently used to establish a contrast or to emphasize a point. It appears in questions about physical quantity, such as when Jesus asks his disciples, "**How many** loaves have ye?" before feeding the multitudes ([[Mark 6:38]], [[Matthew 15:34]]). It is also used to express degree and comparison, often in the phrase "**how much** more," to contrast human actions with God's superior nature and provision ([[Matthew 7:11]], [[Luke 12:24]]). In other instances, it serves as a rhetorical device to underscore the intensity of a situation, such as "**how great** is that darkness!" [[Matthew 6:23]] or to question the duration of suffering, as in "**How long** is it ago since this came unto him?" [[Mark 9:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the use of `{{G4214}}`:
* `{{G1308}}` **diaphérō** (be better, surpass): This word is used to establish value and is often paired with `{{G4214}}` to ask **how much** a person is better than an animal, highlighting God's care ([[Matthew 12:12]], [[Luke 12:24]]).
* `{{G1325}}` **dídōmi** (to give): This verb is central to passages that use "**how much** more" to compare God's willingness to **give** good things with that of earthly fathers ([[Matthew 7:11]], [[Luke 11:13]]).
* `{{G1390}}` **dóma** (a present): This noun works in conjunction with `{{G1325}}`, specifying the good **gifts** that fathers know how to give their children, which serves as the basis for the "**how much** more" comparison [[Matthew 7:11]].
* `{{G740}}` **ártos** (bread, loaf): `{{G4214}}` is repeatedly used to ask about the quantity of **loaves** available before the miracles of feeding the thousands, emphasizing the scarcity that is about to be overcome ([[Matthew 16:9]], [[Mark 8:5]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4214}}` is significant and is used to frame critical arguments.
* **Divine vs. Human Provision:** The phrase "**how much** more" is a key theological tool used to contrast the limited goodness of evil men, who still give good gifts to their children, with the perfect and abundant generosity of the heavenly Father ([[Matthew 7:11]], [[Luke 11:13]]).
* **The Value of Humanity:** `{{G4214}}` is used to argue for the immense value God places on human beings over other parts of creation, asking **how much** more valuable a person is than a sheep or fowl ([[Matthew 12:12]], [[Luke 12:24]]).
* **The Severity of Apostasy:** The word is used to pose a sobering rhetorical question about the great severity of punishment reserved for those who reject Christ's sacrifice, asking "**Of how much** sorer punishment" they will be thought worthy [[Hebrews 10:29]].
* **Christ's Atoning Power:** In contrast to the theme of punishment, `{{G4214}}` also highlights the superior efficacy of Christ's sacrifice, asking **how much** more the blood of Christ will purge the conscience from dead works [[Hebrews 9:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4214}}` functions far beyond a simple inquiry. It is a powerful rhetorical device that scripture uses to frame comparisons, establish value, and highlight contrasts. Whether quantifying loaves of bread to set the stage for a miracle, measuring the immeasurable generosity of God against human limitations, or weighing the consequences of faith versus unbelief, **pósos** compels the reader to consider the magnitude of both divine power and human responsibility.
TRV