Original Word: πῶς
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: pós
Pronunciation: poce
Phonetic Spelling: (poce)
KJV: haply, by any (some) means, perhaps
NASB: perhaps, somehow
Word Origin: [adverb from the base of G4225 (πού - somewhere), an enclitic particle of indefiniteness of manner]

1. somehow or anyhow
{used only in composition}

hardly, by any means, perhaps.

Adverb from the base of pou; an enclitic particle of indefiniteness of manner; somehow or anyhow; used only in composition -- haply, by any (some) means, perhaps. See ei pos, mepos. Compare pos.

see GREEK pou

see GREEK pos

see GREEK ei pos

see GREEK mepos

4458= ???

4458 pōs – properly, how (conveying "indefiniteness of manner," S. Zodhiates, Dict); a particle meaning, "if (somehow)" or "if possibly," when used with the Gk conjunction, ei (J. Thayer) – or meaning "lest by any means" when it is used with the Gk negative, mē. See also 1513 (eí pōs) and 3381 (mḗpōs).

[4458 (-pṓs) is an enclitic, and therefore distinguished from the interrogative adverb 4459 /pṓs ("how") that uses a circumflex accent.]

Word Origin
an enclitic particle from the same as pós, see also ei and mé
Definition
at all
NASB Translation
perhaps (4), somehow (3).

STRONGS NT 4458: πώς

πώς, an enclitic particle, on which see under εἴπως (i. e. εἰ, III. 14) and μήπως.

STRONGS NT 4458a: ρ [ρ ,Rho: the practice of doubling rho ρ (after a preposition or an augment) is sometimes disregarded by the Mss, and accordingly by the critical editors; so, too, in the middle of a word; see ἀνατιρήπτω, παραρέω, ῤαβδίζω, ῤαντίζω, ῤαπίζω, ῤίπτω, ῤύομαι, etc.; cf. Winers Grammar, § 13, 1 b.; Buttmann, 32 (28f); WHs Appendix, p. 163; Tdf. Proleg., p. 80. Recent editors, L T (cf. the Proleg. to his 7th edition, p. cclxxvi.), Kuenen and Cobet (cf. their Praef., p. xcvi.), WH (but not Treg.), also follow the older manuscripts in omitting the breathings from ῥρ in the middle of a word; cf. Lipsius, Grammar. Untersuch., p. 18f; Greg. Corinth. edition Bast, p. 782f; in opposition see Donaldson, Greek Gram., p. 16; Winer's Grammar, 48 (47). On the smooth breathing over the initial rho ῥ when rho begins two successive syllables, see Lipsius as above; WH. as above, pp. 163, 170; Kühner, § 67 Anm. 4; Göttling, Accent, p. 205 note; and on the general subject of the breathings cf. the Proleg. to Tdf. edition 8, p. 105f and references there. On the usagee of modern editions of the classics cf. Veitch, see under the words, ῤάπτω, ῤέζω, etc.]

Summary of Sense

πῶς (Strong’s 4458) conveys the idea of manner, possibility, or method—“how?” or “in what way?” Although this particular lexical form is unattested in the Greek New Testament, its semantic field is immediately recognizable through the closely related form listed under Strong’s 4459, which occurs frequently. The adverb invites inquiry, provokes reflection, and frames arguments that move the hearer from ignorance to understanding.

Usage in the Septuagint

In the Greek Old Testament the word group surfaces in questions of counsel (1 Kings 12:6), astonishment (Lamentations 1:1), lament (Jeremiah 8:22), and wisdom (Proverbs 30:4). Here it serves prophets, poets, and historians alike, underscoring the covenant people’s search for divine guidance and their grappling with the mysteries of God’s workings in history.

Relationship to the New Testament

While Strong’s 4458 itself is absent, its sister form shapes many pivotal New Testament conversations:
• Inquiry and faith – “How can a man be born when he is old?” (John 3:4)
• Fulfillment of Scripture – “How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matthew 26:54)
• Gospel logic – “How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed?” (Romans 10:14)
• Resurrection hope – “How are the dead raised?” (1 Corinthians 15:35)

These occurrences show that the gospel writers and apostles employ the adverb to advance revelation: posing a question that is answered in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

1. Instrument of Revelation – Scripture often begins with a “how?” in order to unveil God’s “thus.” The word acts as a doorway from human perplexity to divine disclosure.
2. Catalyst for Faith – By highlighting impossibility from a human viewpoint, the adverb magnifies the power and sufficiency of God (compare Genesis 18:14; Luke 1:34–37).
3. Apologetic Force – The rhetorical use in Romans 10:14–17 builds a persuasive chain that affirms the necessity of preaching, hearing, believing, and calling upon the Lord.
4. Ethical Reflection – James 2:16 (using a synonymous expression) rebukes empty compassion: “how does that help?”; the question exposes hypocrisy and summons practical love.

Christological Focus

Jesus Himself frequently answers “how” questions by redirecting attention to Scripture’s authority and to His own messianic identity. His explanations display both perfect knowledge of the Father’s will and compassionate accommodation to human limitation (Mark 8:4–9; John 6:52–58).

Implications for Gospel Proclamation

Preachers and teachers can harness the interrogative force of πῶς to engage listeners:
• Raise the question of human inability (“How can anyone be saved?”) and immediately present the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement.
• Employ it evangelistically to prompt serious consideration of eternal realities (“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Hebrews 2:3).

Pastoral and Discipleship Applications

• Spiritual Formation – Encouraging believers to ask “how” fosters a disciplined pursuit of wisdom (Ephesians 5:15–17).
• Counseling – Framing struggles with a humble “how” opens hearts to biblical solutions rather than self-reliance.
• Prayer Life – The Psalms model honest questioning that ultimately yields trust (Psalm 13:1; Psalm 42:9).

Historical Reflections in Church Tradition

Early church fathers such as Athanasius and Augustine used “how” questions to defend orthodox doctrines: Athanasius queried “How can the Son be created if through Him all things were made?” Augustine pressed, “How does God foreknow without compelling?” Throughout history the church has turned the adverb into a tool for confuting error and clarifying truth.

Practical Summary

Though Strong’s 4458 does not appear in the New Testament text, its semantic reach is felt wherever Scripture moves from question to revelation. By dignifying human inquiry and then providing divine answers, the Bible models a pattern for faithful thinking, teaching, and living: wrestle honestly with “how,” listen attentively to God’s Word, and obey confidently in the light that follows.

πως pos pōsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts