The Greek word póteron, represented by G4220, is an interrogative adverb used to pose a choice between two options. Its definition is "which (of two), i.e. is it this or that:--whether." This specific term is quite rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, highlighting its specialized use.
The sole appearance of G4220 is in John 7:17, where Jesus provides the means to verify the source of his teaching. He states, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." Here, póteron introduces a critical point of discernment, forcing a decision between two distinct origins for the doctrine being presented: either it is from God or it is from Jesus speaking on his own authority.
Several related words in its single context clarify the meaning of G4220:
- G1097 ginṓskō (to "know"): The result of applying the test introduced by póteron is to gain knowledge. A person who does God's will "shall know" the origin of the teaching John 7:17.
- G1322 didachḗ (doctrine, instruction): This is the subject under evaluation. The question is whether the doctrine is from a divine or human source John 7:17.
- G2228 ḗ (or): This disjunctive particle works in tandem with póteron to present the two alternatives. The structure is "whether (póteron)... or (ḗ)," establishing the choice between the doctrine being "of God" or from Jesus himself John 7:17.
The theological weight of G4220 is concentrated in its single use, establishing a crucial principle for discernment.
- The Test of Doctrine: The word is central to the question of spiritual authority. It frames the method by which any teaching, or doctrine G1322, can be tested to see if its origin is from God G2316.
- Obedience as a Path to Knowledge: The ability to discern "whether" a teaching is true is directly linked to one's willingness to do G4160 God's will G2307. This suggests that spiritual understanding is not merely intellectual but is granted to the obedient heart John 7:17.
- Source of Authority: By presenting a choice between a teaching being "of God" or "of myself" G1683, póteron underscores the ultimate standard for all spiritual truth: its divine origin.
In summary, póteron G4220, though appearing only once, serves a vital function. It is an interrogative adverb that frames a critical test for discerning the source of spiritual teaching. Its use in John 7:17 establishes that the ability to determine whether a doctrine is from God or from man is unlocked through a commitment to doing God's will, making it a key term for understanding the relationship between obedience and spiritual discernment.
TRV