"whence? from where, used of place, etc., Mt. 15:33; met. of a state of dignity, Rev. 2:5; used of origin, Mt. 21:25; of cause, source, author, etc., Mt. 13:27, 54, 56; Lk. 1:43; how? in what way? Mk. 8:4; 12:37"
Definition and meaning
whence? from where, used of place, etc., Mt. 15:33; met. of a state of dignity, Rev. 2:5; used of origin, Mt. 21:25; of cause, source, author, etc., Mt. 13:27, 54, 56; Lk. 1:43; how? in what way? Mk. 8:4; 12:37
In the original Greek the word is written: πόθεν
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 pothen (G4159) across the King James Bible.
So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?
The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?
David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
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Common questions
Strong's G4159 (pothen) is a Greek word that means: whence? from where, used of place, etc., Mt. 15:33; met. of a state of dignity, Rev. 2:5; used of origin, Mt. 21:25; of cause, source, author, etc., Mt. 13:27, 54, 56; Lk. 1:43; how? in what way? Mk. ... It appears 26 times in the King James Bible.
The word pothen (G4159) appears 26 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4159 is pothen, a Greek word defined as: whence? from where, used of place, etc., Mt. 15:33; met. of a state of dignity, Rev. 2:5; used of origin, Mt. 21:25; of cause, source, author, etc., M. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
pothen is a Greek word found in the New Testament.