This particle combines δή (indeed) with ποτε (ever) to create an indefinite sense of 'at some time' or 'ever.' It often appears in questions or with relative pronouns to express indefiniteness: 'whatever it might be,' 'at whatever time.' John 5:4 (a textually disputed verse) uses it to mean 'at any time' or 'whenever.' Classical writers employed it to soften assertions or express vague temporal reference.