εἰ δὲ μή(γε)
ei dè mḗ(ge)
G1490
SILEX Entry
Definition
A conditional conjunction or particle meaning 'but if not,' signaling an alternative or contrasting condition. Introduces an alternative scenario or consequence when a prior condition is not met. May also be rendered in English as 'otherwise,' 'else,' or 'if not.' The form with γέ (μηγέ) can emphasize the contrast or create a more pointed exception.
Semantic Range
but if not, if not, otherwise, else, except; introduction of alternative in conditional clauses; signaling a consequence when a prior condition fails
Root / Etymology
Composed from εἰ ('if'), δέ ('but'), and μή ('not'), sometimes with the enclitic particle γέ ('at least,' 'indeed') appended. This construction is idiomatic and functions as a set phrase in conditional statements. Not a compound in a formal sense, but a conventionalized sequence of particles.
Historical & Contextual Notes
εἰ δὲ μή and εἰ δὲ μήγε appear in Koine Greek in both biblical and non-biblical Hellenistic sources to introduce exceptions, alternate consequences, or qualifications following a condition. The construction builds upon the regular conditional particle 'εἰ' with δέ introducing contrast and μή negating the condition, sometimes intensified by γέ. In the Greek Old Testament (LXX) and New Testament, the phrase is employed in legal or exhortative contexts (e.g., Mt 18:17, Phil 3: otherwise) to indicate what follows if the preceding positive scenario does not occur. Standard English translations frequently use 'otherwise,' 'else,' or 'but if not' but may obscure the nuance and the contrastive or even emphatic force the construction has in Greek.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εἰ, δέ, and μή (sometimes with γέ added); but if not:--(or) else, if (not, otherwise), otherwise.
Root Family
εἰ, δέ, μή, (γέ) (ei dè mḗ(ge)) — if (conditional), but (contrast), not (negation)
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.