ποταπός

of what kind

Definition

ποταπός is an interrogative adjective meaning 'of what kind' or 'of what sort,' often expressing astonishment or wonder. It asks not just about category but about the quality or nature of something, frequently implying that the thing described is extraordinary or beyond normal expectation. In the Gospels, it is used to convey amazement, as in the disciples' question about Jesus calming the storm: 'What kind of man is this?' (Matthew 8:27). In other contexts, like 2 Peter 3:11, it carries a more contemplative tone, prompting reflection on the character of holy living required in light of the coming judgment.

Biblical Usage

This word appears six times in the New Testament, primarily in narrative and epistolary contexts to express wonder or deep inquiry. In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 8:27, Mark 13:1, Luke 7:39), it is used in questions showing astonishment at Jesus' authority or at impressive sights like the temple. In Luke 1:29, it describes Mary's perplexity at Gabriel's greeting. The two epistolary uses (2 Peter 3:11, 1 John 3:1) shift the focus to moral and theological reflection, asking what kind of people believers should be in light of God's promises and love.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words ποτός (potos, 'drinkable') and the interrogative element πο- (po-), its original sense related to 'from what country' or 'of what origin,' akin to asking 'from what spring?' This evolved into a more general interrogative meaning 'of what kind,' emphasizing source or quality. It is a compound word that highlights the nature or derivation of something.

Semantic Range

ποταπός is theologically significant as it often frames questions about the identity of Jesus and the nature of the Christian life. In passages like Matthew 8:27, it underscores the disciples' dawning recognition of Jesus' divine authority, prompting readers to consider Christ's unique nature. In 1 John 3:1, it marvels at the quality of God's love that confers a new identity as children of God, while 2 Peter 3:11 uses it to connect eschatology with ethics, challenging believers to reflect on the character of holiness required in anticipation of new creation. Understanding this word enriches reading by highlighting moments of divine revelation and moral exhortation.

In its Greco-Roman setting, ποταπός could carry connotations of evaluating something's origin or pedigree, much like assessing where a person or thing 'came from.' This cultural nuance of inquiring into source or quality adds depth to its biblical usage, where questions about Jesus' identity (e.g., Matthew 8:27) or the temple's grandeur (Mark 13:1) would resonate with audiences familiar with such evaluative language. The modern equivalent might be asking 'What sort of...?' with a sense of awe or scrutiny.

ποῖος (poios, G4169) — a more general interrogative meaning 'what kind of' or 'which,' without the strong connotation of astonishment; ὁποῖος (hopoios, G3697) — a relative adjective meaning 'of what sort' or 'such as,' used in comparisons or descriptions.

Word Details

Scripture References