from an absolute (who, what) and ὅς; interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many):--how great (long, many), what.
Transliteration:pósos
Pronunciation:pos'-os
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word πόσος (G4214, *pósos*) functions as an interrogative pronoun, primarily inquiring about quantity, magnitude, or extent. Its base definition encompasses "how much," "how great," "how long," or, in the plural, "how many." Derived from an absolute interrogative pronoun and ὅς (a relative pronoun), *pósos* inherently seeks to ascertain a measure. It is not merely a request for a numerical value but often probes the *degree* or *scale* of something. This can range from the countable (e.g., number of loaves) to the immeasurable (e.g., the greatness of God's care). Its semantic range thus covers both discrete quantities and continuous magnitudes, always with an interrogative force that prompts a consideration of scale.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πόσος (G4214) appears in various New Testament contexts, consistently highlighting questions of measure, quantity, or magnitude.
* **Miracles of Provision:** In the accounts of Jesus feeding the multitudes, *pósos* is used to inquire about the initial scarcity of food, underscoring the miraculous nature of God's provision. For instance, when Jesus asks His disciples, "How many loaves do you have?" ([[Matthew 15:34]], [[Mark 6:38]], [[Mark 8:5]]), the question sets up a dramatic contrast between human insufficiency and divine abundance. The disciples' meager resources (e.g., "seven loaves" or "five loaves and two fish") are juxtaposed with the vast number of people to be fed, emphasizing the sheer scale of the miracle.
* **Parables of Value and Debt:** In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, *pósos* quantifies the immense debt owed to the king: "And when he had begun to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents" ([[Matthew 18:24]]). The question of "how much" here highlights the staggering sum, making the servant's subsequent unforgiveness of a much smaller debt all the more egregious. Similarly, in the Parable of the Minas, the master asks, "How much has each one gained by trading?" ([[Luke 19:15]]), focusing on the increase in value.
* **Discipleship and Cost:** Jesus uses *pósos* to challenge potential followers to consider the cost of discipleship. In the parable of the tower builder, He asks, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?" ([[Luke 14:28]]). Here, "how much" pertains to the necessary resources and commitment, urging careful consideration before embarking on a spiritual journey.
* **Divine Care and Human Worth:** *Pósos* frequently appears in "how much more" arguments, emphasizing the vast superiority of God's care for humanity compared to His care for creation. "Look at the birds of the air... Are you not of more value than they?" ([[Matthew 6:26]]). The implicit "how much more" (though not always explicitly *pósos*) in such passages highlights the immeasurable worth of human beings in God's eyes and the boundless extent of His provision. Similarly, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" ([[Mark 8:36]]). The question "how much" (implied in "what profit") here underscores the inestimable value of the human soul.
### Related Words & Concepts
πόσος (G4214) stands in close conceptual proximity to other Greek terms dealing with quantity and measure, yet maintains its unique interrogative function.
* **`{{G4169}}` (πολύς, *polys*)**: This adjective means "much," "many," or "great." While *pósos* asks "how much/many?", *polys* often provides the answer or describes the large quantity. For example, after Jesus feeds the multitude, there is "much" (πολύς) left over.
* **`{{G3745}}` (ὅσος, *hosos*)**: This is a relative pronoun meaning "as much as," "as many as," or "as great as." While *pósos* is interrogative, *hosos* relates to a preceding or implied quantity. The forms are similar, but their grammatical functions differ significantly (interrogative vs. relative).
* **`{{G5101}}` (τίς, *tis*)**: This is a more general interrogative pronoun meaning "who," "what," or "which." While *tis* can ask about identity or nature, *pósos* specifically narrows the inquiry to quantity or magnitude.
* **Concepts of Abundance and Scarcity:** The use of *pósos* often brings into focus the tension between human scarcity and divine abundance. It forces a reckoning with human limitations in the face of God's limitless power and provision.
* **Value and Cost:** The word is intrinsically linked to concepts of worth, whether it is the value of a soul, the cost of discipleship, or the measure of a debt. It compels a consideration of priorities and the true worth of things in God's economy.
### Theological Significance
The deployment of πόσος (G4214) in the New Testament carries profound theological weight, often serving to illuminate God's character and challenge human perspectives.
* **Revealing Divine Immeasurability:** *Pósos* frequently appears in contexts that highlight the boundless nature of God's power, provision, and love. When Jesus asks "how many loaves," it is not because He lacks knowledge, but to demonstrate the infinite capacity of His divine power to multiply and satisfy. The "how much more" arguments (e.g., God's care for His children compared to birds) underscore the immeasurable extent of divine grace, compassion, and faithfulness. It points to a God who is not bound by human limitations or calculations.
* **Challenging Human Perception and Faith:** The interrogative nature of *pósos* often serves as a pedagogical tool, prompting disciples to move beyond their limited human understanding and to trust in God's sufficiency. It exposes the inadequacy of human resources or wisdom in contrast to the divine. The question "how much" forces an evaluation of priorities, inviting reflection on what truly holds value in the kingdom of God (e.g., the soul's worth, the cost of following Christ).
* **Provoking Reflection and Action:** Beyond a simple request for information, *pósos* often functions as a rhetorical question designed to provoke deeper thought, cultivate faith, or elicit a response of commitment. It compels the hearer to grapple with the scale of God's work, the gravity of sin, or the immense privilege of salvation.
### Summary
The Greek word πόσος (G4214, *pósos*) is a powerful interrogative pronoun that asks "how much," "how great," or "how many." Its usage in the New Testament consistently draws attention to quantity, magnitude, and extent, often serving as a rhetorical device to underscore profound theological truths. From the miraculous abundance of Christ's provision in the feeding narratives to the immeasurable value of the human soul and the challenging cost of discipleship, *pósos* compels the reader to contemplate scale. Theologically, it highlights the immeasurable nature of God's power, love, and provision, while simultaneously challenging human limitations and inviting a deeper consideration of spiritual priorities. It is a word that moves beyond mere calculation, prompting a reverent awe at the vastness of God's economy and His interaction with humanity.
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