"How many times? How often? Mt. 18:21; 23:37; Lk. 13:34*"
Definition and meaning
How many times? How often? Mt. 18:21; 23:37; Lk. 13:34*
In the original Greek the word is written: ποσάκις
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of posakis (G4212) across the King James Bible.
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
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Common questions
Strong's G4212 (posakis) is a Greek word that means: How many times? How often? Mt. 18:21; 23:37; Lk. 13:34* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word posakis (G4212) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4212 is posakis, a Greek word defined as: How many times? How often? Mt. 18:21; 23:37; Lk. 13:34*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
posakis is a Greek word found in the New Testament.