ποτέ
pote
once/when
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word "ποτέ" (pote) is a versatile term used in the New Testament 29 times. Its primary definition is "once" or "when," conveying a sense of time and circumstance. This word often serves as an introductory phrase, indicating a specific moment or occasion. The occurrences of "pote" in the Bible reveal its wide range of usage. It can be used as a query, asking "when" or "at what point" something occurred or happened (e.g., Matthew 18:6). It can also express uncertainty, questioning whether a particular event has taken place (e.g., Matthew 24:36). Additionally, "pote" can simply introduce a statement, drawing attention to a specific instance or situation (e.g., Luke 10:35). The significance of "pote" lies in its ability to emphasize the importance of a particular moment or circumstance. By using "pote," the author draws attention to a specific instance, underscoring its relevance to the narrative or argument. This word plays a crucial role in the construction of meaning and the development of ideas in various biblical passages.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
29 total occurrences across the text
but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”
John 9:13They brought him who had been blind to the Pharisees.
Romans 1:10requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you.
Romans 7:9I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
Romans 11:30For as you in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience,
1 Corinthians 9:7What soldier ever serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn’t eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and doesn’t drink from the flock’s milk?
Galatians 1:13For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God and ravaged it.
Galatians 1:23but they only heard: “He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy.”
Galatians 1:23but they only heard: “He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy.”
Galatians 2:6But from those who were reputed to be important—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God doesn’t show partiality to man—they, I say, who were respected imparted nothing to me,
Ephesians 2:2in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience.
Ephesians 2:3We also all once lived among them in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
Ephesians 2:11Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “uncircumcision” by that which is called “circumcision” (in the flesh, made by hands),
Ephesians 2:13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 5:8For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,
Ephesians 5:29For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly;
Philippians 4:10But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
Colossians 1:21You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil deeds,
Colossians 3:7You also once walked in those, when you lived in them;
1 Thessalonians 2:5For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),
Titus 3:3For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Philemon 1:11who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
Hebrews 1:5For to which of the angels did he say at any time, “You are my Son. Today I have become your father?” and again, “I will be to him a Father, and he will be to me a Son?”
Hebrews 1:13But which of the angels has he told at any time, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?”
1 Peter 2:10In the past, you were not a people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
1 Peter 3:5For this is how in the past, the holy women who hoped in God also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands.
1 Peter 3:20who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
2 Peter 1:10Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
2 Peter 1:21For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.