Strong's Lexicon mépote: Lest, perhaps, in case, otherwise Original Word: μήποτε Word Origin: From the combination of μή (mē, meaning "not") and πότε (pote, meaning "at some time" or "ever"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct one-to-one correspondence in Hebrew, similar cautionary conjunctions can be found in Hebrew expressions like פֶּן (pen), which also means "lest" or "in case." Usage: The Greek word μήποτε (mépote) is a conjunction used to express a negative purpose or a cautionary condition. It is often translated as "lest" or "in case" in English. The term is used to introduce a clause that presents a potential negative outcome or consequence that one wishes to avoid. It serves to warn or advise against a particular action or situation. Cultural and Historical Background: In the context of ancient Greek language and culture, conjunctions like μήποτε were essential for constructing complex sentences that conveyed nuanced meanings. The use of μήποτε reflects a common rhetorical device in both Greek and Hebrew thought, where potential negative outcomes are highlighted to encourage vigilance or obedience. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of cautioning believers to remain faithful and avoid sin. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom mé and pote Definition never, lest ever NASB Translation if (1), if perhaps (1), never (1), no (1), or (1), or else (1), otherwise (6), so (7), whether (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3379: μήποτεμήποτε (from μή and πότε) (μή πότε (separately) L WH (except Matthew 25:9, see below) Tr (except 2 Timothy 2:25)), differing from οὔποτε as μή does from οὐ; (from Homer down). Accordingly it is: 1. a particle of Negation; not ever, never: ἐπεί μήποτε ἰσχύει, since it is never of force, because the writer thinks that the very idea of its having force is to be denied, Hebrews 9:17 (where WH text μή τότε), on which see Winers Grammar, 480 (447), cf. Buttmann, 353 (304); but others refer, this passage to 3 a. below. 2. a prohibitory conjunction; lest ever, lest at any time, lest haply, (also written separately μή πότε ((see at the beginning), especially when the component parts retain each its distinctive force; cf. Lipsius, Gram. Untersuch., p. 129f; Ellendt, Lex. Sophocles 2:107. In the N. T. use of this particle the notion of time usual to πότε seems to recede before that of contingency, lest perchance)), so that it refers to the preceding verb and indicates the purpose of the designated action (Winer's Grammar, § 56, 2): with a subjunctive present Luke 12:58; with a subjunctive aorist, Matthew 4:6 and Luke 4:11, from Psalm 90:12 d.): (Matthew 7:6 L T Tr WH; (cf. 3. a particle of interrogation accompanied with doubt (see μή, III.), whether ever, whether at any time; whether perchance, whether haply, (German doch nicht etwa; ob nicht etwa); a. in a direct question introduced by ἐπεί, for, else (see ἐπεί, 2 under the end): so according to the not improbable interpretation of some (e. g. L WH marginal reading, Delitzsch) in Hebrews 9:17, see in 1 above. In the remaining N. T. passages so used that the inquirer, though he doubts and expects a negative answer, yet is inclined to believe what he doubtfully asks about; thus, in a direct question, in John 7:26. b. in indirect questions; α. with the optative (where the words are regarded as the thought of someone (Winers Grammar, § 41 b. 4 c.; Buttmann, § 139, 60)): Luke 3:15. (See β.) β. with the subjunctive: 2 Timothy 2:25 (R G L (cf. Buttmann, 46 (40));. but T Tr WH text give the optative), where μήποτε κτλ. depend on the suppressed idea διαλογιζόμενος (cf. Buttmann, § 139, 62 at the end; Winer's Grammar, as above). Or me pote (may pot'-eh) from me and pote; not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps) -- if peradventure, lest (at any time, haply), not at all, whether or not. see GREEK me see GREEK pote |
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