### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **póte**, represented by `{{G4219}}`, is an interrogative adverb used to ask **at what time**. It appears **19 times** across **17 unique verses** in the Bible. Its primary function is to question the timing of events, often translated as "when" or, in conjunction with other words, "how long."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4219}}` is used to frame questions of great significance. The disciples repeatedly ask Jesus **when** future events will occur, such as the end of the world ([[Matthew 24:3]], [[Mark 13:4]]). The Pharisees also use it to ask **when** the kingdom of God should come [[Luke 17:20]]. The word also expresses a sense of exasperation or longing, as when Jesus asks a "faithless and perverse generation," "**how long** shall I be with you?" ([[Matthew 17:17]], [[Mark 9:19]]). Similarly, souls in heaven cry out, "**How long**, O Lord," for justice [[Revelation 6:10]]. In other contexts, it is used for more practical questions about timing, such as asking Jesus **when** He arrived [[John 6:25]] or recalling **when** someone was seen in need ([[Matthew 25:37]], [[Matthew 25:44]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context to the questions posed by `{{G4219}}`:
* `{{G5119}}` **tóte** (at the time that): This adverb often serves as the answer or temporal marker following a question of "when," indicating a specific point in time ([[Matthew 25:37]], [[Matthew 25:44]]).
* `{{G2540}}` **kairós** (an occasion, i.e. set or proper time): This word for a specific or opportune time is used in contrast to the unknown timing of `{{G4219}}`, as when Jesus warns the disciples that they "know not **when** the **time** is" [[Mark 13:33]].
* `{{G2193}}` **héōs** (until): This word is frequently paired with `{{G4219}}` to form the question "how long," emphasizing a duration of time and a plea for an end, as seen in the cry for vengeance in [[Revelation 6:10]].
* `{{G165}}` **aiṓn** (an age; by extension, perpetuity... the world): This term for an age or era is part of the disciples' question to Jesus regarding "the end of the **world**," linking the query of "when" to a major dispensational shift [[Matthew 24:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4219}}` is found in the nature of the questions it asks.
* **Eschatological Inquiry:** The word is central to humanity's desire to understand God's timeline for the future. The disciples' questions about Christ's coming and the end of the age reflect a deep-seated curiosity about divine plans ([[Matthew 24:3]], [[Luke 21:7]]).
* **The Cry for Divine Justice:** In Revelation, `{{G4219}}` becomes the voice of the martyrs pleading with God. The question "**how long**" is a powerful expression of suffering and a demand for divine intervention and vengeance [[Revelation 6:10]].
* **A Rebuke of Faithlessness:** Jesus uses the phrase "**how long**" to express his frustration with a "faithless and perverse generation" ([[Matthew 17:17]], [[Mark 9:19]]). This highlights the tension between divine patience and the hindrance of unbelief.
* **The Imperative of Watchfulness:** The uncertainty embedded in the question "when?" becomes a direct command for believers. Because the master's return is unknown, followers are called to "watch and pray" constantly ([[Mark 13:33]], [[Mark 13:35]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4219}}` is a crucial interrogative word that does more than ask for a time. It is used to explore the limits of human knowledge regarding God's sovereign timing, to voice the cries of the suffering for justice, and to frame the biblical imperative for constant spiritual readiness. The questions posed by **póte** often receive the answer that precise timing is not for humanity to know, redirecting the focus from "when" an event will happen to "how" one should live in the meantime.
TRV