from the base of ποῦ and τέ; interrogative adverb, at what time:--+ how long, when.
Transliteration:póte
Pronunciation:pot'-eh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word πότε (póte), Strong's number `{{G4219}}`, is an interrogative adverb derived from the base of ποῦ (pou, `{{G4227}}`, "where?") and the enclitic particle τέ (te). Its primary meaning is "at what time?" or "when?". It functions to inquire about the specific point or period in time when an event occurs or will occur. In some contexts, particularly when coupled with a sense of duration or anticipation, it can extend to mean "how long?". Unlike the relative conjunction ὅτε (hote, `{{G3753}}`), which states "when," πότε poses a direct question, expressing uncertainty, curiosity, or a desire for revelation concerning timing. Its semantic range is thus tightly focused on the temporal aspect of inquiry, often highlighting human ignorance or impatience regarding divine timetables.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The interrogative adverb πότε (póte) appears frequently in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels, where disciples and others question Jesus about the timing of significant events.
A prominent usage is found in eschatological discourse. For instance, in [[Matthew 24:3]] and [[Mark 13:4]], the disciples directly ask Jesus, "Tell us, when (πότε) will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" This question encapsulates humanity's persistent desire to know the precise timing of God's redemptive plan and final judgment. Similarly, the Pharisees inquire of Jesus in [[Luke 17:20]], "When (πότε) the kingdom of God would come?" These instances underscore the common human preoccupation with knowing the "when" of divine action.
Beyond direct questions, πότε can also function in a more general temporal sense, often in conditional or comparative clauses, where it refers to "whenever" or "than when." For example, in [[Romans 13:11]], Paul writes, "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when (πότε) we first believed." Here, πότε serves as a temporal marker for a past point in time, indicating a comparison. Another example is found in [[1 Peter 3:20]], "who formerly were disobedient, when (πότε) once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah..." In such cases, while not interrogative, it still points to a specific, albeit relative, moment in time.
The use of πότε in [[Revelation 6:10]] by the souls under the altar crying out, "How long (ἕως πότε), O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" perfectly illustrates its extended meaning of "how long," conveying a fervent plea for the hastening of divine justice. This demonstrates its capacity to express not only inquiry but also a longing for the fulfillment of God's promises.
### Related Words & Concepts
πότε (póte) belongs to a family of interrogative adverbs in Greek, often sharing the common stem πο-. These include:
* πόθεν (pothen, `{{G4225}}`): "from where?" (interrogative of origin)
* ποῦ (pou, `{{G4227}}`): "where?" (interrogative of place), which serves as the base for πότε.
* ποταπός (potapos, `{{G4218}}`): "of what kind?" (interrogative of quality)
* ποσός (posos, `{{G4217}}`): "how much/many?" (interrogative of quantity)
* πότερον (poteron, `{{G4226}}`): "whether" (used in disjunctive questions)
Crucially, πότε is to be distinguished from ὅτε (hote, `{{G3753}}`), which is a relative temporal conjunction meaning "when" or "whenever," used to introduce a temporal clause rather than to ask a question. While both relate to time, πότε interrogates, while ὅτε declares. Other related concepts include the broader theological themes of time (χρόνος - chronos, `{{G5550}}`; καιρός - kairos, `{{G2540}}`), divine timing, and human expectation.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of πότε (póte) in questions directed towards Jesus about the timing of the Kingdom of God, His return, or the end of the age, highlights a fundamental theological tension: humanity's inherent desire for certainty and God's sovereign control over revelation and timing. Jesus' responses, often parabolic or emphasizing readiness rather than specific dates ([[Matthew 24:36]], [[Acts 1:7]]), underscore that the "when" is ultimately known only to the Father. This serves several theological purposes:
1. **Sovereignty of God:** God alone determines the times and seasons, reinforcing His ultimate authority over history and salvation.
2. **Call to Vigilance and Readiness:** The unknown "when" of Christ's return or the end of the age is not meant to foster passivity but to ignite spiritual alertness and faithfulness. Believers are called to live as if the Lord could return at any moment ([[Matthew 25:1-13]]).
3. **Focus on Discipleship:** By deferring the answer to "when," Jesus redirects focus from speculative curiosity to the immediate demands of discipleship, mission, and living righteously in the present age.
4. **Divine Patience:** The "delay" implied by the continued asking of "when" can be understood as an expression of God's patience, allowing more time for repentance and for the gospel to be proclaimed to all nations ([[2 Peter 3:9]]).
Thus, πότε, while a simple interrogative adverb, becomes a profound theological pointer, revealing human impatience and God's wise, sovereign withholding of specific temporal details for the sake of spiritual growth and mission.
### Summary
The Greek word πότε (póte, `{{G4219}}`) functions primarily as an interrogative adverb meaning "when?" or "at what time?". While it can also extend to "how long?" in contexts of duration or longing, its core purpose is to inquire about the specific timing of events. Its frequent use in the New Testament, particularly in questions posed to Jesus regarding eschatological events, underscores humanity's innate desire to comprehend divine timetables. The theological significance of πότε lies not merely in the questions it poses, but in the responses it elicits or the lack thereof, which consistently direct believers away from speculative curiosity about the "when" and towards a vigilant, faithful, and missional living in the "now," trusting in God's sovereign and perfect timing.
TRV