Lexical Summary pollakis: Often, frequently, many times Original Word: πολλάκις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oftenMultiplicative adverb from polus; many times, i.e. Frequently -- oft(-en, -entimes, -times). see GREEK polus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from polus Definition often NASB Translation frequent (1), many (1), often (15), time after time (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4178: πολλάκιςπολλάκις (from πολύς, πολλά), adverb (fr. Homer down), often, frequently: Matthew 17:15; Mark 5:4; Mark 9:22; John 18:2; Acts 26:11; Romans 1:13; Romans 15:22 L Tr marginal reading; 2 Corinthians 8:22; 2 Corinthians 11:23, 26; Philippians 3:18; 2 Timothy 1:16; Hebrews 6:7; Hebrews 9:25; Hebrews 10:11. Topical Lexicon Overview of New Testament Occurrences Strong’s Greek 4178, the adverb πολλάκις, conveys the idea of repetition—“often,” “many times,” “again and again.” Its eighteen New Testament appearances span the Gospels, Acts, the Pauline Epistles, and Hebrews, underscoring situations that involve recurring actions, habitual patterns, or repeated efforts—both human and divine. Narrative Uses in the Gospels 1. Matthew 17:15 and Mark 9:22 portray a demonized boy who “often” falls into fire and water. The word stresses the relentless cruelty of demonic oppression and magnifies the Savior’s compassion when He delivers the boy. Acts: Persecution Repeated Acts 26:11 records Paul’s pre-conversion zeal: “In all the synagogues I punished them often and tried to force them to blaspheme.” The repetition reveals the systemic nature of early persecution and the magnitude of grace that transformed the persecutor into an apostle. Pauline Epistles: Ministry Realities • Romans 1:13—Paul had “often planned” to visit Rome but was hindered. The frequency of his intention shows missionary passion while acknowledging God’s sovereign timing. Hebrews: Ritual Repetition versus Christ’s Finality Hebrews uses πολλάκις four times: “Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again” (9:25). “Otherwise He would have had to suffer repeatedly” (9:26). “Every priest stands daily ministering and offering again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins” (10:11). These contrasts elevate Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice over the Levitical system’s endless cycles—turning the adverb into a theological pivot that moves readers from repetition to completion in Christ. Earlier, Hebrews 6:7 employs πολλάκις of rain that “often falls” on cultivated land, illustrating how repeated divine provision seeks a fruitful response. Theological Reflection 1. Repetition exposes human limitation. Whether binding a demoniac or offering animal sacrifices, “often” signals insufficiency that invites divine intervention. Ministry Applications • Deliverance Ministries: Expect ongoing oppression in some cases; persistent prayer mirrors Christ’s decisive deliverance of those repeatedly tormented. Personal Discipleship Believers may face temptations or trials “often,” yet Scripture presents an overcoming pattern: relentless need met by greater, unfailing grace. Embracing rhythms of prayer, fellowship, and Scripture intake—practices done “often”—aligns the disciple with God’s redemptive repetition until Christ’s consummation ends all striving. Forms and Transliterations πολλακις πολλάκις pollakis pollákisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 17:15 AdvGRK: κακῶς πάσχει πολλάκις γὰρ πίπτει NAS: ill; for he often falls KJV: vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into INT: miserably suffers often indeed he falls Matthew 17:15 Adv Mark 5:4 Adv Mark 9:22 Adv John 18:2 Adv Acts 26:11 Adv Romans 1:13 Adv 2 Corinthians 8:22 Adv 2 Corinthians 11:23 Adv 2 Corinthians 11:26 Adv 2 Corinthians 11:27 Adv 2 Corinthians 11:27 Adv Philippians 3:18 Adv 2 Timothy 1:16 Adv Hebrews 6:7 Adv Hebrews 9:25 Adv Hebrews 9:26 Adv Hebrews 10:11 Adv |