ποσάκις

how often

Definition

ποσάκις is an interrogative adverb meaning 'how often?' or 'how many times?' It is used to ask a question about frequency or repetition. In its three New Testament occurrences, it always carries this core sense of inquiring about the number of instances. In Matthew 18:21, Peter uses it to ask Jesus about the limits of forgiveness ('how often shall my brother sin...?'). In Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34, Jesus uses it rhetorically to express a lament over Jerusalem's repeated rejection of God's messengers ('how often would I have gathered your children...').

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew and Luke). It appears in two distinct contexts: one about interpersonal ethics and forgiveness (Matthew 18:21), and the other in a prophetic lament over corporate unbelief and judgment (Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34). In both uses, it emphasizes repeated action—either sin or divine invitation—and sets up a contrast with a singular, definitive response.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek interrogative pronoun πόσος (posos, G4214), meaning 'how much?' or 'how many?', combined with the adverbial suffix -άκις, which indicates repetition or frequency. Thus, it literally means 'how-many-times.' It is a compound word built to specifically inquire about the number of occurrences.

Semantic Range

This word highlights themes of divine patience and human responsibility. In Jesus's lament (Matthew 23:37, Luke 13:34), it underscores God's repeated, gracious initiatives toward His people, contrasting with their persistent rejection. In the context of forgiveness (Matthew 18:21), it introduces a question about limits to mercy, which Jesus answers not with a number but with a call to limitless forgiveness, reflecting God's own character. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing the tension between repeated human failure and the boundless, patient nature of God's love and call.

In a first-century Jewish context, questions about the frequency of forgiveness (as in Matthew 18:21) related to rabbinic debates on the limits of mercy. Peter's suggestion of 'seven times' was considered generous, as some teachings suggested three times was sufficient. Jesus's use of the word in the lament over Jerusalem would evoke the long history of prophets sent to Israel and Judah, a theme well-known from the Hebrew Scriptures, giving weight to the idea of repeated divine outreach.

πόσος (posos, G4214) — The root word meaning 'how much?' or 'how many?', but referring to quantity rather than specifically to frequency of events.

Word Details

Scripture References