ὁπότε

when

Definition

ὁπότε is a temporal adverb meaning 'when' or 'whenever,' specifically denoting a point in time or a recurring circumstance. It functions to introduce a temporal clause, setting the condition or occasion for the main action of a sentence. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 6:3, it introduces the specific historical moment ('when') David entered the house of God, anchoring the narrative in a past event. Unlike some other temporal words, it often carries a sense of definiteness, pointing to a particular 'when' rather than an indefinite 'whenever,' though context determines this nuance.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 6:3. In this context, Jesus uses it to reference a specific past event from the life of David ('Have you not read what David did when [ὁπότε] he was hungry...?') as a scriptural precedent. Its usage is narrative and argumentative, connecting a historical occasion to a present theological debate about Sabbath law. Given its single occurrence, no broader patterns across books exist, but its function is clearly to establish a definitive temporal framework for the cited action.

Etymology

ὁπότε is a compound word derived from the relative pronoun ὁ (ho, 'which') and the adverb ποτέ (pote, 'at some time'). Literally, it means 'at which time.' It is a classical Greek formation that carried into Koine Greek, maintaining its core function as a temporal conjunction. It is closely related to ὅτε (hote, G3752), another word for 'when,' but ὁπότε can sometimes imply a more conditional or indefinite sense ('whenever'), though in biblical usage this distinction is minimal.

Semantic Range

While a common temporal adverb, its use in Luke 6:3 is theologically significant. By using ὁπότε, Jesus precisely anchors His defense of His disciples' actions on the Sabbath to a definitive moment in Israel's history—David's precedent. This grounds His authority and interpretation of the Law in the concrete narrative of Scripture, not abstract principle. Understanding this specific 'when' highlights Jesus' masterful use of the biblical story to challenge legalistic interpretations and reveal the heart of God's law, which prioritizes human need.

In the Greco-Roman world, precise temporal markers like ὁπότε were important for historical and rhetorical argumentation, much as they are today. In a Jewish context, citing a specific 'when' from the sacred past, as Jesus does, invoked the full authority of that scriptural narrative. The cultural weight was on the precedent-setting nature of the event referenced, making the temporal connection not just chronological but authoritative for halakhic (legal) debate.

ὅτε (hote, G3752) — A more common general adverb for 'when,' often interchangeable but sometimes less conditional. ὅταν (hotan, G3752) — Means 'whenever,' typically introducing a general or conditional temporal clause, often with subjunctive mood.

Word Details

Scripture References