Lexical Summary potapos: What manner of, what kind of Original Word: ποταπός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance what manner of. Apparently from pote and the base of pou; interrogatively, whatever, i.e. Of what possible sort -- what (manner of). see GREEK pote see GREEK pou NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom prim. roots and Definition from what country? NASB Translation how great (1), what kind (2), what sort (2), what sort of person (1), what wonderful (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4217: ποταπόςποταπός ((in Dionysius Halicarnassus, Josephus, Philo, others) for the older ποδαπός (cf. Lob. Phryn., p. 56f; Rutherford, New Phryn., p. 129; Winers Grammar, 24; Curtius, p. 537, 5th edition); according to the Greek grammarians equivalent to ἐκ ποίου δαπεδου, from what region; according to the conjecture of others equivalent to ποῦ ἀπό ((Buttmann, Lexil. 1:126, compares the German wovon)), the delta δ' being inserted for the sake of euphony, as in the Latinprodire, prodesse; cf. Fritzsche on Mark, p. 554f (still others regard (δαπος merely as an ending; cf. Apollonius Dyscolus, Buttmann's edition, the index under the word)), ποταπή, ποταπον; 1. from what country, race, or tribe? so from Aeschylus down. 2. from Demosth. down also equivalent to ποῖος, of what sort or quality? (what manner of?): absolutely of persons, Matthew 8:27; 2 Peter 3:11; with a person noun, Luke 7:39; with names of things, Mark 13:1; Luke 1:29; 1 John 3:1. Strong’s Greek 4217 carries the sense of a startled question or exclamation: “What sort?”, “What manner?”, “How great?” Its use highlights something so extraordinary that the observer is driven to pause, ponder, and respond. Occurrences Across the New Testament Canon • Matthew 8:27 – the disciples’ wonder at Jesus’ authority over nature. Themes of Astonishment and Revelation 1. Divine Authority Displayed (Matthew 8:27) “The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!’”. The word punctuates the gulf between human limitation and the Creator’s sovereign command, inviting worship. 2. Earthly Grandeur Put in Perspective (Mark 13:1) The colossal stones of Herod’s temple provoked admiration, yet Jesus immediately foretells their ruin. The term frames a contrast: what people hail as magnificent is transient beside the kingdom that endures. 3. Holy Intrusion into Ordinary Life (Luke 1:29) Mary’s “wondering what kind of greeting this might be” signals heaven intersecting common humanity. The word preserves the humility and authenticity of her faith: astonishment does not erase obedience; it prepares the heart for it (Luke 1:38). 4. Misjudged Grace (Luke 7:39) Simon’s inner criticism—“what kind of woman”—exposes self-righteous blindness. The term ironically underscores that the woman’s repentance, not her past, defines her in Jesus’ sight. 5. The Measureless Love of God (1 John 3:1) “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” Here the word serves worship, summoning believers to behold love beyond calculation. It anchors assurance: identity springs from divine initiative, not human merit. 6. Eschatological Motivation (2 Peter 3:11) “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.” The term becomes an ethical mirror; impending cosmic upheaval presses believers toward purity and mission. Call to Self-Examination and Holiness In four of the seven occurrences the focus shifts from marveling at an external object to assessing the inner quality of persons (Luke 7:39; 1 John 3:1; 2 Peter 3:11; implied in Mary’s response). Scripture links awe to transformation: whatever inspires the exclamation must also reshape the character of those who utter it. Christological Insights The adjective repeatedly directs attention to Jesus: His authority (Matthew 8:27), His welcoming of repentant sinners (Luke 7:39), His prophecy over the temple (Mark 13:1). The astonishment He evokes exposes both faith and unbelief, revealing hearts while unveiling His identity. Historical and Cultural Background In first-century Judea, Herod’s temple was a wonder of the ancient world; its stones measured up to forty feet in length. The disciples’ exclamation in Mark 13 captures genuine national pride. Likewise, Mediterranean hospitality norms magnified Simon’s scandal when Jesus allowed a notorious woman to touch Him. Understanding these settings sharpens the contrast between human appraisal and divine perspective conveyed by the term. Implications for Worship and Discipleship 1. Cultivate Awe: Regular reflection on Christ’s works stirs the same astonishment found in the Gospels. Pastoral Applications • Preaching: Employ the term to invite congregations from mere familiarity to reverent wonder. The word translated “what kind” thus serves as a theological lens: it awakens astonishment, exposes values, anchors identity, and propels holiness. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 8:27 Adj-NMSGRK: ἐθαύμασαν λέγοντες Ποταπός ἐστιν οὗτος NAS: and said, What kind of a man KJV: saying, What manner of man is INT: marveled saying What kind [of man] is this Mark 13:1 Adj-NMP Mark 13:1 Adj-NFP Luke 1:29 Adj-NMS Luke 7:39 Adj-NFS 2 Peter 3:11 Adj-AMP 1 John 3:1 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 4217 |
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