Lexical Summary pote: once, formerly, at some time, ever Original Word: ποτε Strong's Exhaustive Concordance formerly, in the old time From the base of pou and te; indefinite adverb, at some time, ever -- afore-(any, some-)time(-s), at length (the last), (+ n-)ever, in the old time, in time past, once, when. see GREEK pou see GREEK te NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originenclitic particle from the same as posos and te Definition once, ever NASB Translation any time (1), ever (4), former (1), former times (1), formerly (8), last (2), never* (2), once (8), when (1), when once (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4218: ποτέποτέ, an enclitic particle, from Homer down; 1. once, i. e. at some time or other, formerly, aforetime; a. of the Past: John 9:13; Romans 7:9; Romans 11:30; Galatians 1:13, 23 (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 15, 7); Ephesians 2:2f, 11, 13; Ephesians 5:8; Colossians 1:21; Colossians 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; Titus 3:3; Philemon 1:11; 1 Peter 2:10; 1 Peter 3:5, 20; ἤδη πότε, now at length, Philippians 4:10. b. of the future: Luke 22:32; ἤδη πότε, now at length, Romans 1:10. 2. ever: after a negative, οὐδείς πότε, Ephesians 5:29 (Buttmann, 202 (175).); οὐ ... πότε, 2 Peter 1:21; μή πότε (see μήποτε); after οὐ μή with the aorist subjunctive 2 Peter 1:10; in a question, τίς πότε, 1 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 1:5, 13; ὁποῖοί πότε, whatsoever, Galatians 2:6 (but some would render πότε here formerly, once; cf. Lightfoot ad loc.). Pote denotes an undefined point in time, most often “once/formerly” and, in rhetorical questions, “ever/at any time.” The Spirit-inspired writers use it to highlight (1) the decisive break between an old life and a new one in Christ, or (2) the unique, unparalleled status of a person, action, or promise. Occurrences and Distribution Romans 1:10; Romans 7:9; Romans 11:30 Galatians 1:13; Galatians 1:23 (twice); Galatians 2:6 Ephesians 2:2, 2:3, 2:11, 2:13; Ephesians 5:8, 5:29 Colossians 1:21; Colossians 3:7 1 Peter 2:10; 1 Peter 3:5, 3:20 ‘Once—but Now’ Salvation Theme Pote is central to the New Testament’s contrast between past alienation and present reconciliation. • Ephesians 2:2-3: “in which you once walked…we all lived among them at one time.” These contrasts preach definitive deliverance and motivate ethical transformation (Ephesians 5:8). Rhetorical ‘Ever?’ for Exclusivity and Logic Pote intensifies logical argument by asserting something has never taken place. • Hebrews 1:5, 1:13: “To which of the angels did He ever say…?”—exalting Christ above all angels. Prophetic or Restorative Future Moment Luke 22:32: “and when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Pote signals Peter’s assured restoration after failure, underscoring Christ’s sovereignty and pastoral commission. Pastoral and Missional Implications 1. Humility and Gratitude—Believers never forget what they once were, ensuring praise and dependence on grace (Colossians 3:7). Summary Whether looking back to a life now crucified with Christ, forward to certain restoration, or out across history to affirm what God has never said to another, pote knits time, logic, and redemption into a single thread: “once” without Christ, “now” in Him—an unrepeatable, unparalleled transformation that shapes Christian identity, worship, and mission. Englishman's Concordance Luke 22:32 PrtclGRK: καὶ σύ ποτε ἐπιστρέψας στήρισον NAS: may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, KJV: not: and when thou art converted, INT: and you when having turned back strengthen John 9:13 Prtcl Romans 1:10 Prtcl Romans 7:9 Prtcl Romans 11:30 Prtcl 1 Corinthians 9:7 Prtcl Galatians 1:13 Prtcl Galatians 1:23 Prtcl Galatians 1:23 Prtcl Galatians 2:6 Prtcl Ephesians 2:2 Prtcl Ephesians 2:3 Prtcl Ephesians 2:11 Prtcl Ephesians 2:13 Prtcl Ephesians 5:8 Prtcl Ephesians 5:29 Prtcl Philippians 4:10 Prtcl Colossians 1:21 Prtcl Colossians 3:7 Prtcl 1 Thessalonians 2:5 Prtcl Titus 3:3 Prtcl Philemon 1:11 Prtcl Hebrews 1:5 Prtcl Hebrews 1:13 Prtcl 1 Peter 2:10 Prtcl |
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