Lexical Summary polumerós: In many portions, in many parts, in various ways Original Word: πολυμερῶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance variously, at sundry times. Adverb from a compound of polus and meros; in many portions, i.e. Variously as to time and agency (piecemeal) -- at sundry times. see GREEK polus see GREEK meros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from a comp. of polus and meros Definition in many parts NASB Translation many portions (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4181: πολυμερῶςπολυμερῶς (πολυμερής), by many portions: joined with πολυτρόπως, at many times (Vulg.multifariam (or-rie)), and in many ways, Hebrews 1:1. (Josephus, Antiquities 8, 3, 9 (variant; Plutarch, mor., p. 537 d., i. e. de invid. et od. 5); οὐδέν δεῖ τῆς πολυμερους ταύτης καί πολυτροπου μουσης τέ καί ἁρμονίας, Max. Tyr. diss. 37, p. 363; (cf. Winer's Grammar, 463 (431)).) Topical Lexicon Definition and Key Concept Strong’s Greek 4181 portrays the manner in which God disclosed His will “on many past occasions and in many different ways” (Hebrews 1:1). The word underscores the diversity and piecemeal character of divine revelation before the incarnation, reminding readers that the Old Testament was not given as a single deposit but unfolded through multiple spokesmen and circumstances. Old Testament Background The history of Israel records a tapestry of God-initiated encounters: Each segment contributed a genuine yet incomplete piece of God’s self-disclosure, forming an accumulating witness that anticipated the fullness revealed in Christ. Progressive Revelation and Continuity Hebrews 1:1–2 places the “many-portioned” revelations of the prophets alongside the climactic speech “in His Son.” This establishes a continuity rather than a contrast of truth: previous portions were true, authoritative, and preparatory, while the Son’s appearance supplies finality and completeness. The concept safeguards both the unity of Scripture and the historical progress of redemption (cf. Luke 24:27; 2 Corinthians 1:20). Christ as the Climactic Revelation The phrase of Hebrews serves to exalt the superiority of the Son. Whereas earlier messages arrived through intermediaries, Jesus embodies the message (John 1:14), speaks with intrinsic authority (Matthew 7:29), and unveils the Father with perfect clarity (John 14:9). Consequently, the Church reads earlier “portions” through the lens of His person and work, discovering their ultimate intent in the gospel. Implications for Ministry and Preaching 1. Whole-Bible Proclamation: Teachers are encouraged to expound both Testaments, tracing how fragmentary insights converge in Christ (Acts 20:27). Applications for the Believer • Diligent Study: The varied methods God used invite believers to explore the breadth of Scripture, expecting coherence and depth. Historical Use in the Church Early fathers cited Hebrews 1:1 to affirm the value of the Old Testament against Marcionite rejection. Reformers appealed to it when articulating the principle of progressive revelation that peaks in Christ. Modern conservative scholarship continues to use the term to highlight biblical unity without flattening historical development. Summary Strong’s 4181 captures the multiform, piecemeal character of God’s ancient speech, setting the stage for the definitive Word spoken in His Son. It calls the Church to treasure every segment of Scripture while centering all understanding on the Lord Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations ΠΟΛΥΜΕΡΩΣ πολυμερώς πολυμερῶς πολυοδίαις πολυοχιλίαν πολυοχλίας πολυπλασιασθήτε πολυπληθεί πολυπλήθει πολυπληθείτε πολυπληθυνώ πολυπλόκων POLUMERoS POLUMERŌS POLYMERoS POLYMERŌSLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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