b. in indirect questions, for the relative ὅπου (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 57, 2 at the end): followed by the indicative, Matthew 2:4; Mark 15:47; John 1:39 (40); ; Revelation 2:13 (cf. Winer's Grammar, 612 (569)); followed by the subjunctive, Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58; Luke 12:17.

c. joined to verbs of going or coming, for ποῖ in direct question (cf. our colloquial, where for whither; see Winers Grammar, § 54, 7; Buttmann, 71 (62)): John 7:35 (cf. Winers Grammar, 300 (281); Buttmann, 358 (307)); ; in indirect question, followed by the indicative: John 3:8; John 8:14; John 12:35; John 14:5; Hebrews 11:8; 1 John 2:11.

Strong’s Greek 4226 appears forty-six times across twelve New Testament books. It introduces a question about place or state of affairs, but its Spirit-inspired usage consistently presses readers to discern the whereabouts of divine purpose, human response, judgment, or hope.

Seeking the Messiah

The New Testament opens with Gentile magi asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). Their question sets a missionary tone, showing that honest inquiry is welcomed and answered by Scripture and providence. Herod repeats the same adverb (Matthew 2:4), yet with murderous intent, illustrating that identical words can flow from opposite hearts.

Discipleship and the Cost of Following

Jesus answers a scribe’s enthusiasm with, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). The implied “where” exposes the cost of allegiance: Christ’s followers find their dwelling not in earthly security but in fellowship with the homeless King (Luke 9:58).

Instruction within the Upper Room Narrative

In Luke 22:9 the disciples ask, “Where do You want us to prepare it?” Their willingness contrasts with Judas’s betrayal that same night. John’s Gospel then records a cascade of “where?” questions (John 13–16) revealing progressive illumination. Thomas confesses ignorance (John 14:5); soon afterward Jesus states that none of them asks where He is going because grief has dulled curiosity (John 16:5). The adverb thus tracks spiritual growth and temporary dullness, urging modern disciples to keep asking and listening.

Testimony and Faith Formation in John

John alternates earnest and skeptical voices. Some seek Christ respectfully (John 1:38; 6:25), others disdainfully: “Where is He?” (John 7:11), “Where is Your Father?” (John 8:19). Jesus replies, “You do not know where I come from or where I am going” (John 8:14), revealing heavenly origin and mission. Ultimately, the evangelist employs 4226 to showcase how perception of Jesus divides the crowd and solidifies belief.

Resurrection Evidence and Witness

Mary Magdalene mourns, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have put Him” (John 20:2). Angelic messengers (John 20:13) and the risen Lord Himself (John 20:15) resolve her question. Thus, “where?” moves from uncertainty to proclamation—location of a corpse becomes revelation of an empty tomb.

Apostolic Argumentation

Paul employs the adverb to dismantle pride: “Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded” (Romans 3:27). In 1 Corinthians he asks it six times, climaxing in the taunt, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). The interrogative becomes a rhetorical weapon, proclaiming Christ’s triumph.

Body of Christ Imagery

1 Corinthians 12 uses 4226 three times to illustrate interdependence: “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?” (1 Corinthians 12:17). The church must honor every member so that no ministry function is “missing.”

Covenant Perspective in Hebrews and Peter

Hebrews recalls Abraham, “He went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8), commending faith that trusts promises above maps. 2 Peter depicts scoffers: “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:4). The same word that expressed patriarchal faith is twisted in unbelief, yet the apostle assures readers that the Lord’s timing is perfect.

Pastoral Consolation and Exhortation

Galatians 4:15 laments, “What then has become of your blessing?” (literally, “Where is your blessedness?”), diagnosing loss of gospel joy. 1 Peter 4:18 similarly asks, “Where will the ungodly and sinner appear?” urging sober reflection.

Eschatological and Spiritual Geography

Revelation 2:13 records Christ’s acknowledgment: “I know where you live—where Satan’s throne is,” assuring believers in Pergamum that omniscience and sovereignty encompass even hostile terrain.

Ministry Significance

1. Encourage honest questioning; Scripture answers seekers.
2. Expose motives; the same question can conceal hostility or faith.
3. Remind congregations that discipleship may lack earthly “where,” yet offers eternal residence with Christ.
4. Employ rhetorical questions to preach the gospel’s sufficiency and the emptiness of human boasting.
5. Strengthen hope amid opposition: the Lord knows precisely “where” His people dwell and will vindicate them.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 4226 punctuates the New Testament with a call to locate truth—geographical, theological, eschatological. Each occurrence invites believers to turn from uncertainty toward the One who declares, “Where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).