πολλάκις (pollakis)
pollakis
often
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb pollakis simply means "often" or "frequently." It describes actions that happen repeatedly over time, without implying a specific number. In the New Testament, it appears in sixteen verses, with notable usage in Matthew, Hebrews, and II Corinthians.
Its root lies in the word for "many," making it a straightforward intensifier of frequency. For instance, Jesus describes how often He wanted to gather Jerusalem’s children (Matthew 23:37), emphasizing persistent desire rather than a single event. Similarly, Paul notes that he was afflicted often (II Corinthians 11:26), highlighting the repeated nature of his hardships.
Translators consistently render it as "often" or "frequently." The word carries no hidden theological weight; its power comes from the reality of repetition it describes. Whether speaking of divine longing or human suffering, pollakis reminds readers that some experiences are not isolated incidents but recurring patterns in life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pollakis simply means "often." It reminds us that life is rarely a series of isolated events. Instead, we move through patterns—repeated struggles, recurring joys, and consistent habits. When Jesus said He wanted to gather Jerusalem’s children often, He showed that divine love persists despite human resistance. This repetition is not meaningless; it reveals the depth of character in both God and us.
In your own life, you may face repeated trials or find yourself returning to certain prayers. This word validates those experiences. It tells us that endurance is built through many small moments, not just one grand event. Whether you are weary from constant challenges or grateful for steady grace, pollakis assures you that consistency matters. God sees the pattern of your heart over time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- often10×
- repeatedly3×
- often,3×
- often.1×
- many times1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πολλάκις14×
- πολλάκις,3×
- πολλάκις.1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 11:26
I have been in travels often, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from my countrymen, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the wilderness, perils in the sea, perils among false brothers;
Paul lists this word among his hardships to show that his apostolic authority was forged through repeated, daily trials rather than a single dramatic event.
-
Hebrews 9:26
or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
The author contrasts Christ's single sacrifice with the idea that He would have had to suffer often, highlighting the finality and sufficiency of His one-time death.
-
John 18:2
Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.
This brief mention shows that Jesus’ ministry included regular, predictable meetings with disciples, grounding His supernatural work in consistent community.