4437. puknos
Lexical Summary
puknos: Dense, thick, frequent

Original Word: πυκνός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: puknos
Pronunciation: pook-NOS
Phonetic Spelling: (pook-nos')
KJV: often(-er)
NASB: frequent, often, quite often
Word Origin: [from a primary pux (the fist as a weapon)]

1. clasped (thick)
2. (figuratively) frequent
3. (neuter plural, as adverb) frequently

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
often

From the same as skenopoios; clasped (thick), i.e. (figuratively) frequent; neuter plural (as adverb) frequently -- often(-er).

see GREEK skenopoios

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from the same as pugmé
Definition
close, i.e. frequent
NASB Translation
frequent (1), often (1), quite often (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4437: πυκνός

πυκνός, πυκνη, πυκνόν (ΠΥΚΩ, see πυγμή), from Homer down, thick, dense, compact; in reference to time, frequent, often recurring (so in Greek writings from Aeschylus down), 1 Timothy 5:23; neuter plural πυκνά, as adverb (Winers Grammar, 463 (432); Buttmann, § 128, 2), vigorously, diligently (?(cf. Morison as in πυγμή)), Mark 7:3 Tdf.; often, Luke 5:33; πυκνότερον, more frequently, the oftener, Acts 24:26.

Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Nuance

While conveying the simple idea of repetition, πυκνός (Strong’s 4437) carries shades of perseverance and intentionality. The contexts in which the term appears all highlight regular, purposeful actions—disciplines, remedies, or attempts at influence—rather than haphazard recurrence. The word therefore points to deliberate constancy.

New Testament Occurrences

Luke 5:33 – The disciples of John and the Pharisees “fast and pray frequently.” The stress falls on ritual devotion done with notable regularity.

1 Timothy 5:23 – Timothy’s “frequent ailments” reveal an ongoing struggle that calls for prudent pastoral counsel: “Use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”

Acts 24:26 – Governor Felix “sent for him as often as possible and conversed with him,” hoping for a bribe. Here πυκνός exposes persistent but self-serving engagement.

Theological and Ministry Insights

1. Spiritual Disciplines. Luke 5:33 shows that genuine devotion is not measured merely by how often an act is performed. Jesus goes on to teach that new covenant life requires new wineskins; frequency without right heart can veil spiritual stagnation. Churches must therefore encourage regular practices—prayer, fasting, fellowship—while guarding against empty ritual.

2. Pastoral Care and Physical Health. Paul’s fatherly advice to Timothy balances ascetic tendencies with compassion. Persistent ailments warrant ongoing, practical remedies. Ministry that ignores bodily needs misunderstands God’s holistic care.

3. Corruption versus Integrity. Felix’s repeated summons illustrate how relentless pursuit can be driven by greed. Faithful leaders should examine whether their own recurring initiatives spring from godly motives or personal gain.

Historical Perspective

Early Christian writers linked πυκνός to the developing rhythm of church life: daily prayers (Didache 8), frequent gatherings (Acts 2:46), and persistent almsgiving. Conversely, recurring persecution forced believers to decide whether their steadfastness would equal the relentlessness of opposition.

Practical Applications

• Cultivate habits of grace (Scripture intake, prayer, sacrificial giving) with purposeful regularity.
• Address chronic needs—spiritual, emotional, or physical—rather than masking them with occasional attention.
• Evaluate motives behind repeated actions: is the objective kingdom service or personal advantage?
• Encourage believers who battle persistent afflictions; Scripture legitimizes ongoing care rather than blaming lack of faith.

Related Biblical Themes

Perseverance in prayer – Luke 18:1

Constant teaching – Acts 5:42

Steadfast faith – 1 Peter 5:9

Unceasing thanksgiving – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Summary

Strong’s 4437 spotlights the power of repetition. Whether for devotion, healing, or manipulation, repeated actions reveal the heart’s direction. Scripture calls believers to harness such persistence for godly ends—unfailing prayer, sustained compassion, and enduring integrity—while warning against ritualism and self-interest.

Forms and Transliterations
πυκνα πυκνά πυκνὰ πυκνας πυκνάς πυκνός πυκνοτερον πυκνότερον pukna puknas puknoteron pykna pyknà pyknas pyknás pyknoteron pyknóteron
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Luke 5:33 Adj-ANP
GRK: Ἰωάννου νηστεύουσιν πυκνὰ καὶ δεήσεις
NAS: of John often fast
KJV: of John fast often, and make
INT: of John fast often and prayers

Acts 24:26 Adj-ANS-C
GRK: διὸ καὶ πυκνότερον αὐτὸν μεταπεμπόμενος
NAS: used to send for him quite often and converse
KJV: him the oftener, and
INT: therefore also often him sending for

1 Timothy 5:23 Adj-AFP
GRK: καὶ τὰς πυκνάς σου ἀσθενείας
NAS: of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
KJV: and thine often infirmities.
INT: and the frequent of you ailments

Strong's Greek 4437
3 Occurrences


πυκνὰ — 1 Occ.
πυκνάς — 1 Occ.
πυκνότερον — 1 Occ.

4436
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