πότερος
which of two, whether
Definition
Πότερος is an interrogative adjective meaning 'which of two' or 'whether.' It is used to present a choice between two alternatives, often in a rhetorical or deliberative context. In its single New Testament occurrence in John 7:17, it frames a conditional choice regarding the origin of Jesus' teaching. The word inherently implies a binary selection, distinguishing it from broader interrogatives that might ask 'which' among many.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in John 7:17. Here, Jesus says, 'If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the teaching, whether it is from God or whether I speak from Myself.' The usage is deliberative, presenting a clear dichotomy for the listener to discern. The context is a debate about Jesus' authority, making the binary choice rhetorically powerful.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek interrogative root πο- (po-), related to πού (pou, 'where?') and πότε (pote, 'when?'). The suffix -τερος (-teros) is a comparative ending, giving the sense of 'which of two.' It is cognate with the Latin 'uter' ('which of two'). Its formation emphasizes a direct comparison between two specific options.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, πότερος is theologically significant in John 7:17 as it frames the fundamental question of Jesus' divine authority. The binary choice—'from God' or 'from Myself'—forces a decision about Christ's origin and nature, touching on doctrines of revelation and Christology. Understanding this Greek term highlights the deliberate, either-or nature of faith in Jesus, enriching the reader's grasp of the passage's apologetic force.
In ancient Greek rhetoric and logic, binary choices were a common tool for argumentation and clarification. The use of πότερος aligns with this cultural practice, presenting a clear dichotomy to challenge the audience's perception. This contrasts with modern, more nuanced approaches to inquiry, emphasizing the ancient preference for definitive, opposing alternatives in discourse.
τίς (tis, G5101) — a general interrogative pronoun meaning 'who?' or 'what?', not limited to two options; ποῖος (poios, G4169) — an interrogative adjective meaning 'of what sort?' or 'what kind?', inquiring about quality rather than selection between two.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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