εἰ μή
ei mḗ
G1508
SILEX Entry
Definition
Conditional negative exceptive phrase: 'if not, unless.' Functions primarily as a conjunction or particle marking exceptions, qualifications, or conditions that restrict a preceding statement. In discourse, introduces exclusions or necessary conditions for a statement to apply. Secondary sense: 'except that,' 'unless,' or when introducing an exception after a negative, 'but,' 'except.' Often marks the sole or exclusive exception to a previous statement or claim. In elliptical constructions, may simply mean 'but' or 'except.'
Semantic Range
if not, unless, except (that), but, save (only), excepting, unless it be that
Root / Etymology
εἰ ('if') + μή ('not'). Formed by joining the conditional particle with the negative particle of exception, standard in classical and Koine Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
εἰ μή is a fixed phrase, found from classical Greek onward, functioning as an exceptive or conditional particle. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, εἰ μή continues to introduce expressions of exception ('unless') or restriction to general assertions. When following negatives, it sometimes functions almost as a simple exceptive particle ('except,' 'but'). Its range closely parallels that of Latin 'nisi.' English translations often render εἰ μή variously as 'unless,' 'except,' or 'but.' However, context and Greek syntax determine its nuance: in legal, moral, or logical statements it often carves out the one stipulation that limits the rule. Not to be confused with εἰ μήτι, which can have different nuances in questions. The phrase is regularly used in narrative, legal, and didactic material (e.g., Matthew 5:20, Galatians 1:19). In some idiomatic constructions, the sense is nearly adversative ('but, rather'), though the primary meaning is exceptive, stemming from its conditional structure. The function and sense of εἰ μή in Koine remains stable but flexible, shaped by context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εἰ and μή; if not:--but, except (that), if not, more than, save (only) that, saving, till.
Root Family
εἰ, μή (ei mḗ) — if (conditional), not (negation, exceptive)
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.