πότερος (poteros)
poteros
whether
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word poteros is a simple conjunction meaning "whether." It appears only once in the New Testament, in John 7:17. Here it introduces a choice between two possibilities: if someone chooses to do God’s will, they will know whether Jesus’ teaching comes from Him or from Himself.
Etymologically, poteros is the neuter form of a comparative adjective meaning "which of two." This root indicates that the word is used specifically when presenting a binary option. It does not handle lists of many choices, but rather forces the reader to consider one path against another.
In this single instance, Jesus uses the term to link obedience with understanding. The structure suggests that moral action precedes intellectual clarity. By choosing to do God’s will, a person gains the insight needed to verify the source of divine teaching.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word poteros appears just once in the New Testament, found in John 7:17. Jesus uses this simple term to introduce a choice between two possibilities. He is not listing many options but presenting a clear binary path for anyone who desires to understand His teaching.
This verse connects obedience with understanding. It suggests that moral action precedes intellectual clarity. By choosing to do God’s will, you gain the insight needed to verify the source of divine truth. This offers comfort when spiritual truths feel unclear or distant.
You do not need perfect knowledge to begin. A sincere desire to follow God opens the door to recognition. The path is open to all who seek Him with a willing heart, inviting you into a deeper relationship through simple trust and action.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- whether1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πότερον1×
Key Verses
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John 7:17
If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is from God or if I am speaking from myself.
This verse links the act of doing God's will directly to the ability to discern whether Jesus' teaching originates from Him or from Himself.