genitive case of an interrogative pronoun (what) otherwise obsolete (perhaps the same as πού used with the rising slide of inquiry); as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality:--where, whither.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **poû**, represented by `{{G4226}}`, is an interrogative adverb used to ask about a location. It appears 47 times in 42 verses and is typically translated as **where** or **whither**. Its primary function is to pose a direct question about a physical place, a destination, or, in some cases, a figurative or abstract state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4226}}` is frequently used to drive key moments of seeking and questioning. The wise men use it to begin their search for the Messiah, asking, "**Where** is he that is born King of the Jews?" [[Matthew 2:2]]. The disciples ask Jesus logistical questions, such as "**Where** wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?" [[Matthew 26:17]]. The term also expresses profound loss or confusion, as when Mary Magdalene weeps at the tomb, saying, "I know not **where** they have laid him" [[John 20:13]]. In other contexts, it refers to a destination, as when Jesus speaks of a place "whither he goeth" [[John 12:35]] or when his disciples ask him directly, "**Whither** goest thou?" [[John 13:36]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the concepts of location and origin:
* `{{G4159}}` **póthen** (whence): This interrogative asks about a point of origin or source. It is often used in contrast to `{{G4226}}` to describe the full scope of movement, as in the description of the Spirit: "canst not tell **whence** it cometh, and **whither** it goeth" [[John 3:8]].
* `{{G3699}}` **hópou** (what(-ever) where): A relative adverb that specifies a location without posing a direct question. It often establishes a condition, as in, "**where** your treasure is, there will your heart be also" [[Matthew 6:21]].
* `{{G1563}}` **ekeî** (there): This adverb provides a declarative answer to the question of "where." It points to a specific location, as in Jesus's answer, "Wheresoever the body is, **thither** will the eagles be gathered together" [[Luke 17:37]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4226}}` is revealed in its use to probe matters of faith, wisdom, and judgment.
* **Seeking Divine Presence:** The word frames the human search for God. The disciples ask Jesus, "**where** dwellest thou?" [[John 1:38]], expressing a desire to be where He is. Conversely, Jesus highlights his own homelessness, stating that "the Son of man hath not **where** to lay his head" [[Matthew 8:20]].
* **Spiritual Disorientation:** Lacking divine guidance is described as not knowing one's destination. John writes that a person in spiritual darkness "knoweth not **whither** he goeth" [[1 John 2:11]]. Even Jesus's disciples express this confusion, saying, "we know not **whither** thou goest" [[John 14:5]].
* **Rhetorical Challenge:** The Apostle Paul uses `{{G4226}}` to challenge the world's standards and declare God's ultimate power. He asks, "**Where** is the wise? **where** is the scribe?" [[1 Corinthians 1:20]] and taunts the final enemy, "O death, **where** is thy sting?" [[1 Corinthians 15:55]].
* **Final Accountability:** The question of "where" is used to underscore divine judgment. Peter asks pointedly, "**where** shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" [[1 Peter 4:18]], while Jesus asks his disciples in a moment of crisis, "**Where** is your faith?" [[Luke 8:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4226}}` is far more than a simple interrogative. It is a word that initiates quests, reveals spiritual states, and poses some of the most profound theological questions in scripture. From the literal search for a physical place to the rhetorical challenge against human wisdom and the ultimate question of one's spiritual destination, **poû** frames critical moments of seeking, confusion, and divine reckoning.
TRV