adverb from the base of ποῦ; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!:--how, after (by) what manner (means), that. (Occasionally unexpressed in English).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pōs**, represented by `{{G4459}}`, is an adverb used to question or describe **manner**. It appears 103 times in 100 verses, functioning as an interrogative particle asking "in what way?" or "how?". Its usage ranges from direct questions about methods and possibilities to indirect questions and exclamations that express wonder or make a rhetorical point.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4459}}` is used in several key contexts. It is frequently employed to question possibility or ability, often highlighting a conflict between human logic and divine power. Nicodemus asks, "**How** can a man be born when he is old?" [[John 3:4]], and Jesus challenges the Pharisees, "O generation of vipers, **how** can ye, being evil, speak good things?" [[Matthew 12:34]]. The word also functions prescriptively, providing instruction on the proper manner of Christian living, such as knowing "**how** thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God" [[1 Timothy 3:15]] and "**how** ye ought to answer every man" [[Colossians 4:6]]. Finally, it is used in exclamations and rhetorical questions to emphasize a point, as when observers remarked of Jesus' love for Lazarus, "Behold **how** he loved him!" [[John 11:36]] or when Paul underscores God's generosity [[Romans 8:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and purpose of questions concerning manner:
* `{{G1097}}` **ginṓskō** (to "know"): This verb often represents the goal of a question asked with `{{G4459}}`. Believers are to **know** *how* to answer others [[Colossians 4:6]], while others marvel, asking "**How** **knoweth** this man letters?" [[John 7:15]].
* `{{G4226}}` **poû** (where, whither): As an interrogative of place, it provides a contrast to the interrogative of manner. Thomas connects them directly, stating, "we **know** not **whither** thou goest; and **how** can we know the way?" [[John 14:5]].
* `{{G3697}}` **hopoîos** (of what kind that): This word describes the quality or nature of something, often in parallel with `{{G4459}}`. Paul's ministry is described by "**what manner** of entering in" he had, and "**how**" the Thessalonians turned from idols to God [[1 Thessalonians 1:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4459}}` is found in its ability to frame crucial spiritual questions and instructions.
* **Revealing Human Limitations:** The question "**how**" often exposes the limits of human understanding in the face of divine truth. Nicodemus’s inability to comprehend spiritual birth [[John 3:4]] and the disciples’ astonishment at Jesus' power over nature [[Matthew 21:20]] illustrate that God's ways are beyond natural reasoning.
* **A Call to Deliberate Conduct:** The word is used to shift focus from mere belief to the manner of one's life. Paul instructs believers on **how** they ought to walk to please God [[1 Thessalonians 4:1]] and warns them to take heed **how** they build upon the foundation of Christ [[1 Corinthians 3:10]], emphasizing that the method and quality of one's Christian life are critical.
* **Magnifying God's Character:** Through rhetorical questions, `{{G4459}}` is used to magnify God's attributes. Paul's query, "**how** shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" [[Romans 8:32]], is not a question of doubt but an affirmation of God's immense generosity. Similarly, the warning "**How** shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" [[Hebrews 2:3]] highlights the unparalleled value of what God has offered.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4459}}` functions as more than a simple interrogative. It is a tool used throughout Scripture to challenge earthly perspectives, to instruct believers in the practical manner of their conduct, and to express the profound nature of God's power and grace. From a question of human impossibility to a guide for holy living, **pōs** prompts a deeper consideration of *how* one relates to God and lives out their faith.
TRV