Lexical Summary polutropós: In many ways, in various manners Original Word: πολυτρόπως Strong's Exhaustive Concordance in many waysAdverb from a compound of polus and tropos; in many ways, i.e. Variously as to method or form -- in divers manners. see GREEK polus see GREEK tropos HELPS Word-studies 4187 polytrópōs (an adverb, derived from 4183 /polýs, "many in number" and 5158 /trópos, "way, manner") – properly, many manners (avenues); (figuratively) the multitudinous (infinite) number of ways God shares His Word to (in) people. This includes revealing Himself in the OT when speaking through (in) the Hebrew prophets in dreams, visions, etc. It is used only in Heb 1:1. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from a comp. of polus and tropos Definition in many ways NASB Translation many ways (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4187: πολυτρόπωςπολυτρόπως (from πολυτρόπος, in use in various senses from Homer down), adverb, in many manners: Hebrews 1:1 ((Philo de incor. mund. § 24)); see πολυμερῶς. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Context The sole New Testament appearance of πολυτρόπως (polytropōs) is Hebrews 1:1: “In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways”. The adverb underscores the rich diversity of divine self-disclosure that characterized the era preceding the incarnation. By introducing the epistle with this term, the writer of Hebrews lays a foundation for the central argument that God’s revelatory climax is found “in His Son” (Hebrews 1:2). Old Testament Revelation in “Many Ways” 1. Prophetic Oracles – From Moses to Malachi, spoken words carried by men “moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). These “many ways” display not fragmentation but the manifold grace of a God who accommodates human limitation while preserving doctrinal unity. Contrast with the Finality in Christ Hebrews 1:2 declares the decisive shift: “But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” The diversity of former modes is now eclipsed by a singular, personal, and definitive revelation. Jesus Christ embodies, fulfills, and interprets all previous disclosures (Luke 24:27; John 1:18). The adverb polytropōs, therefore, functions as a literary foil, heightening the glory of the Son’s supremacy. Theological Implications • Progressive Revelation – Scripture unfolds organically; later revelation never contradicts earlier truth but expands and clarifies it (Galatians 3:24-25). Practical Ministry Applications 1. Preaching – Highlight the coherence of God’s plan, moving from the diverse Old Testament testimonies to their fulfillment in Christ. Historical Reception Early church fathers such as Irenaeus and Athanasius appealed to Hebrews 1:1-2 to defend the continuity between the covenants. The Reformers saw in polytropōs a warrant for the whole-Bible preaching that characterizes expositional ministry. Modern evangelical scholarship continues to draw on the term to discuss the nature of revelation and inspiration. Related Concepts • “Many times” (polymerōs) in the same verse emphasizes temporal diversity; together with polytropōs, the pair covers both the chronology and the manner of revelation. Conclusion Though πολυτρόπως occurs only once, its theological weight is immense. It captures the vast mosaic of Old Testament revelation and sets the stage for the unparalleled disclosure of God in His Son. For pastors, teachers, and all believers, the term invites a deeper appreciation of the entire biblical canon and a renewed confidence that the God who once spoke “in various ways” has now spoken fully and finally in Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations επολυώρησας ΠΟΛΥΤΡΟΠΩΣ πολυτρόπως πολυχρονιείτε πολυχρόνιοί πολυχρόνιος πολυωρήσει πολυωρήσεις POLUTROPoS POLUTROPŌS POLYTROPoS POLYTROPŌSLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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