πότε (pote)
pote
when?
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adverb pote asks "when?" in a direct question about time. It appears seventeen times in the New Testament, frequently in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The word seeks to pinpoint a specific moment or period, serving as a simple but essential tool for inquiry in dialogue.
It often forms the phrase heōs pote, meaning "how long?" This expression conveys impatience or distress over a lingering situation. Jesus uses it to describe his frustration with an unbelieving generation in Matthew 17:17 and Mark 9:19. Similarly, the souls under the altar ask "how long?" before God’s judgment in Revelation 6:10.
In indirect questions, pote functions like hopote, meaning "whenever" or "at any time." Jesus uses this sense when predicting future events, such as asking his disciples to watch for signs in Matthew 24:3. This usage shifts the focus from a single moment to an indefinite point in time, highlighting uncertainty about the timing of divine actions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pote often appears in questions that reveal a heart seeking clarity. When Jesus asks how long He will bear with a faithless generation, or when disciples ask when events will unfold, they are expressing genuine human uncertainty. We all face moments where the timing of God’s actions feels unclear. These biblical examples show that asking about time is not a sign of weak faith, but a natural part of walking with God.
Even in indirect uses, pote points to an indefinite moment, reminding us that we do not control the schedule of history. This uncertainty invites us to live in readiness rather than anxiety. Instead of worrying about when things will happen, we are called to be faithful in the present. The Bible encourages us to watch and pray, trusting that God’s timing is perfect even when it does not match our expectations.
Ultimately, these questions lead us back to dependence on Christ. Whether asking about judgment or daily provision, the focus remains on His character. We can find peace knowing that He is present in every season. This word helps us embrace the mystery of God’s plan with humility and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- when15×
- When2×
- whenever1×
- when,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πότε18×
- πότε,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 17:17
Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me.”
This verse uses pote in the phrase heōs pote to express Jesus' deep frustration with the lack of faith, highlighting the emotional weight behind the question of time.
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Mark 13:35
Watch therefore, for you don’t know when the lord of the house is coming—whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning;
Here, pote emphasizes the unpredictability of the Lord's return, urging believers to remain spiritually alert at all times rather than trying to predict specific dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word pote mean?
How is pote different from other Greek words for time?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 6 verses
Jesus answered, “Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring…
Matthew 24:3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be?…
Matthew 25:37“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a…
Matthew 25:38When did we see you as a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe you?
Matthew 25:39When did we see you sick or in prison and come to you?’
Matthew 25:44“Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick,…