apparently from πότε and the base of ποῦ; interrogatively, whatever, i.e. of what possible sort:--what (manner of).
Transliteration:potapós
Pronunciation:pot-ap-os'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ποταπός (G4217) is an interrogative adjective derived from πότε (when) and the base of ποῦ (where), conveying a sense of astonishment or wonder. Its core meaning is "of what sort?", "what manner of?", or "what kind of?". Unlike a simple interrogative like τίς (who/what - `{{G5101}}`), ποταπός carries an emphatic nuance, expressing surprise, awe, or even perplexity in the face of something extraordinary or difficult to categorize. It points to the intrinsic quality or nature of a person, thing, or event, often implying that the speaker is overwhelmed by its uniqueness or magnitude.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ποταπός (G4217) appears five times in the New Testament, consistently highlighting a reaction of wonder or deep inquiry:
* **[[Matthew 8:27]]**: Following Jesus' calming of the storm, the disciples exclaim, "What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" (ποταπὸς οὗτος). Here, ποταπός underscores their profound astonishment and dawning realization of Jesus' unparalleled authority, transcending mere human capabilities. It marks a pivotal moment in their understanding of His divine nature.
* **[[Mark 13:1]]**: As Jesus leaves the Temple, one of His disciples remarks, "Master, see what manner of stones and what manner of buildings are here!" (Ποταποὶ λίθοι καὶ ποταπαὶ οἰκοδομαί). The word emphasizes the sheer grandeur and impressive scale of the Temple's construction, evoking awe at its physical magnificence.
* **[[Luke 1:29]]**: Upon hearing Gabriel's greeting, Mary "cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be" (ποταπὸς εἴη ὁ ἀσπασμὸς οὗτος). Her use of ποταπός reflects her perplexity and deep questioning regarding the unusual and highly significant nature of the angel's words, which were far from an ordinary greeting.
* **[[1 Peter 1:11]]**: Speaking of the prophets of old, Peter notes they were "searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify" (εἰς τίνα ἢ ποταπὸν καιρὸν). Here, ποταπός refers to the *quality* or *character* of the specific time, indicating a deep, Spirit-led inquiry into the precise nature and circumstances of Christ's future suffering and glory.
* **[[1 John 3:1]]**: John declares, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God" (Ποταπὴν ἀγάπην). This is perhaps the most profound usage, expressing overwhelming gratitude and astonishment at the *quality* and *magnitude* of God's love, which elevates believers to the status of His children. It's not merely "what love," but "what *astonishing* and *unfathomable* love."
In each instance, ποταπός moves beyond a simple factual inquiry, conveying an emotional and intellectual response to something truly remarkable.
### Related Words & Concepts
ποταπός (G4217) stands in a semantic field with other interrogative pronouns and adjectives, yet possesses a distinct nuance. While τίς (`{{G5101}}`) asks "who?" or "what?" and ποῖος (`{{G4169}}`) asks "of what kind?" or "what sort?", ποταπός uniquely emphasizes the element of wonder, surprise, or even bewilderment. It often anticipates an answer that points to the extraordinary or divine.
Concepts closely associated with ποταπός include:
* **Awe and Wonder (θαυμάζω - `{{G2296}}`):** The word often accompanies or elicits a sense of profound admiration or astonishment, particularly in the presence of divine power or revelation.
* **Divine Authority and Nature:** Its use in relation to Jesus (e.g., [[Matthew 8:27]]) highlights the unique and incomprehensible nature of His person and power.
* **Unfathomable Grace:** In [[1 John 3:1]], it underscores the immeasurable and astonishing quality of God's love and adoption.
* **Profound Inquiry:** In [[1 Peter 1:11]], it speaks to the depth of prophetic and spiritual investigation into God's plans.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ποταπός (G4217) lies in its capacity to articulate the human response to divine revelation and action.
1. **Christological Insight:** In [[Matthew 8:27]], the disciples' question "What manner of man is this?" is a nascent Christological confession. It signifies their struggle to comprehend Jesus within existing categories, forcing them to confront His unique, divine authority over creation. This word thus points to the ineffability of Christ's person.
2. **The Majesty of God's Work:** Whether marveling at the Temple's splendor ([[Mark 13:1]]) or, more profoundly, at the Father's love ([[1 John 3:1]]), ποταπός invites the reader to share in the awe inspired by God's creative and redemptive acts. It elevates the discussion from mere observation to an appreciation of the extraordinary.
3. **The Nature of Divine Love:** Perhaps its most impactful use is in [[1 John 3:1]]. "Behold, what manner of love..." is not a rhetorical question but an exclamation of profound gratitude. It emphasizes that God's love is not just great, but of an astonishing, incomprehensible quality that transforms human identity, calling us children of God. This highlights the radical, unmerited nature of divine grace.
4. **Human Limitations and Divine Mystery:** The word implicitly acknowledges the limits of human understanding when confronted with the divine. Mary's perplexity ([[Luke 1:29]]) and the prophets' searching ([[1 Peter 1:11]]) demonstrate that God's plans and actions often transcend human categories and require spiritual discernment or humble acceptance.
### Summary
ποταπός (G4217) is an emphatic interrogative adjective that signifies "of what sort?" or "what manner of?", imbued with a sense of wonder, astonishment, or perplexity. Its New Testament occurrences consistently highlight a profound reaction to the extraordinary, particularly in the context of divine power, revelation, or grace. From the disciples' awe at Christ's authority over creation to John's exclamation concerning the Father's astonishing love, ποταπός serves to underscore the ineffable and magnificent aspects of God's work and character. It invites believers to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a posture of humble wonder and profound gratitude in the face of divine mystery and unfathomable love.
TRV