Original Word: ποταπός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: potapos
Pronunciation: po-tä-pos'
Phonetic Spelling: (pot-ap-os')
KJV: what (manner of)
NASB: what kind, what sort, what wonderful, how great, what sort of person
Word Origin: [apparently from G4219 (πότε - when) and the base of G4226 (ποῦ - where)]

1. interrogatively, whatever, i.e. of what possible sort

what manner of.

Apparently from pote and the base of pou; interrogatively, whatever, i.e. Of what possible sort -- what (manner of).

see GREEK pote

see GREEK pou

Word Origin
from prim. roots and
Definition
from what country?
NASB Translation
how great (1), what kind (2), what sort (2), what sort of person (1), what wonderful (2).

STRONGS NT 4217: ποταπός

ποταπός ((in Dionysius Halicarnassus, Josephus, Philo, others) for the older ποδαπός (cf. Lob. Phryn., p. 56f; Rutherford, New Phryn., p. 129; Winers Grammar, 24; Curtius, p. 537, 5th edition); according to the Greek grammarians equivalent to ἐκ ποίου δαπεδου, from what region; according to the conjecture of others equivalent to ποῦ ἀπό ((Buttmann, Lexil. 1:126, compares the German wovon)), the delta δ' being inserted for the sake of euphony, as in the Latinprodire, prodesse; cf. Fritzsche on Mark, p. 554f (still others regard (δαπος merely as an ending; cf. Apollonius Dyscolus, Buttmann's edition, the index under the word)), ποταπή, ποταπον;

1. from what country, race, or tribe? so from Aeschylus down.

2. from Demosth. down also equivalent to ποῖος, of what sort or quality? (what manner of?): absolutely of persons, Matthew 8:27; 2 Peter 3:11; with a person noun, Luke 7:39; with names of things, Mark 13:1; Luke 1:29; 1 John 3:1.

Summary of Concept

Strong’s Greek 4217 carries the sense of a startled question or exclamation: “What sort?”, “What manner?”, “How great?” Its use highlights something so extraordinary that the observer is driven to pause, ponder, and respond.

Occurrences Across the New Testament Canon

• Matthew 8:27 – the disciples’ wonder at Jesus’ authority over nature.
• Mark 13:1 (twice) – the disciples’ awe of the temple’s vast stones and splendid buildings.
• Luke 1:29 – Mary’s perplexity at Gabriel’s unexpected greeting.
• Luke 7:39 – Simon’s silent censure of the woman who anoints Jesus.
• 1 John 3:1 – John’s marveling at the Father’s lavish love that makes believers His children.
• 2 Peter 3:11 – Peter’s urgent question about holy living in light of coming judgment.

Themes of Astonishment and Revelation

1. Divine Authority Displayed (Matthew 8:27)

“The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!’”. The word punctuates the gulf between human limitation and the Creator’s sovereign command, inviting worship.

2. Earthly Grandeur Put in Perspective (Mark 13:1)

The colossal stones of Herod’s temple provoked admiration, yet Jesus immediately foretells their ruin. The term frames a contrast: what people hail as magnificent is transient beside the kingdom that endures.

3. Holy Intrusion into Ordinary Life (Luke 1:29)

Mary’s “wondering what kind of greeting this might be” signals heaven intersecting common humanity. The word preserves the humility and authenticity of her faith: astonishment does not erase obedience; it prepares the heart for it (Luke 1:38).

4. Misjudged Grace (Luke 7:39)

Simon’s inner criticism—“what kind of woman”—exposes self-righteous blindness. The term ironically underscores that the woman’s repentance, not her past, defines her in Jesus’ sight.

5. The Measureless Love of God (1 John 3:1)

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” Here the word serves worship, summoning believers to behold love beyond calculation. It anchors assurance: identity springs from divine initiative, not human merit.

6. Eschatological Motivation (2 Peter 3:11)

“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.” The term becomes an ethical mirror; impending cosmic upheaval presses believers toward purity and mission.

Call to Self-Examination and Holiness

In four of the seven occurrences the focus shifts from marveling at an external object to assessing the inner quality of persons (Luke 7:39; 1 John 3:1; 2 Peter 3:11; implied in Mary’s response). Scripture links awe to transformation: whatever inspires the exclamation must also reshape the character of those who utter it.

Christological Insights

The adjective repeatedly directs attention to Jesus: His authority (Matthew 8:27), His welcoming of repentant sinners (Luke 7:39), His prophecy over the temple (Mark 13:1). The astonishment He evokes exposes both faith and unbelief, revealing hearts while unveiling His identity.

Historical and Cultural Background

In first-century Judea, Herod’s temple was a wonder of the ancient world; its stones measured up to forty feet in length. The disciples’ exclamation in Mark 13 captures genuine national pride. Likewise, Mediterranean hospitality norms magnified Simon’s scandal when Jesus allowed a notorious woman to touch Him. Understanding these settings sharpens the contrast between human appraisal and divine perspective conveyed by the term.

Implications for Worship and Discipleship

1. Cultivate Awe: Regular reflection on Christ’s works stirs the same astonishment found in the Gospels.
2. Embrace Identity: 1 John 3:1 grounds security in the Father’s immeasurable love.
3. Pursue Holiness: 2 Peter 3:11 ties ethical urgency to eschatological certainty.
4. Guard Against Judgmentalism: Luke 7:39 warns that misreading grace blinds one to the Savior’s presence.
5. Hold Earthly Splendor Lightly: Mark 13:1 reminds believers that even religious monuments pass away; only the kingdom remains.

Pastoral Applications

• Preaching: Employ the term to invite congregations from mere familiarity to reverent wonder.
• Counseling: Anchor assurance in the “what manner of love” bestowed by the Father, combating shame.
• Evangelism: Matthew 8:27 provides a bridge to present Christ’s supremacy over creation.
• Discipleship: Use 2 Peter 3:11 to frame discussions on lifestyle choices in light of eternity.

The word translated “what kind” thus serves as a theological lens: it awakens astonishment, exposes values, anchors identity, and propels holiness.

ποταπαι ποταπαί ποταπαὶ ποταπη ποταπή ποταπὴ ποταπην ποταπήν ποταπὴν ποταποι ποταποί ποταποὶ Ποταπος Ποταπός ποταπὸς ποταπους ποταπούς ποταποὺς potapai potapaì potape potapē potapḕ potapen potapēn potapḕn potapoi potapoì Potapos Potapós potapòs potapous potapoùsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts