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μήποτε

mḗpote

G3379 subordinating conjunction

SILEX Entry

Definition

A conjunction and particle expressing fear, doubt, or caution; primarily, lest, so that not, in order that not, or perhaps, introducing a potential negative outcome, a possibility to be avoided, or indicating caution that something undesirable may occur. It functions within subordinate clauses, especially after verbs of fearing, warning, or commands, to prevent or avoid a consequence.

Semantic Range

lest, so that not, in order that not, perhaps, in case, for fear that, peradventure, if possibly

Root / Etymology

From μή (not) + ποτε (ever, at any time), forming a compound meaning 'lest ever' or 'in case at any time.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

μήποτε occurs both in classical and Koine Greek, generally as a compound conjunction introducing clauses expressing caution or fear about a hypothetical or potential event. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it frequently translates as 'lest' or 'in case,' often after verbs or expressions denoting fear, prohibition, caution, or concern. Its function is to avoid or prevent a feared result. Standard English translations variably render it as 'lest,' 'in case,' 'perhaps,' or 'so that not,' depending on context. It differs from similar Greek particles (such as μή and ἵνα μή) in its particular focus on the possibility of a negative (often undesirable) event, and it can carry nuances from strong fear ('lest') to mild possibility ('perhaps'), though in NT usage the connotation is predominantly negative and cautionary. It does not normally introduce a direct negation but rather a potential eventuality to avoid.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μή and ποτέ; not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps):--if peradventure, lest (at any time, haply), not at all, whether or not.

Root Family

μήποτε (mēpote) — not, ever, at any time; lest; in case

Root μή-, ποτ- not, ever, at any time

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3379-01 μήποτε mepote CONJ.S lest lest ever lest ever 25

Occurrences in Scripture

25 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3379-01 Matthew 4:6 μήποτε mepote CONJ.S lest lest ever lest
G3379-01 Matthew 5:25 μήποτέ mepote CONJ.S lest lest ever lest
G3379-01 Matthew 7:6 μήποτε mepote CONJ.S lest lest ever lest ever
G3379-01 Matthew 13:15 μήποτε mepote CONJ.S lest lest ever lest ever
G3379-01 Matthew 13:29 μήποτε mepote CONJ.S lest lest ever lest ever
G3379-01 Matthew 15:32 μήποτε mepote CONJ.S lest lest ever lest
G3379-01 Matthew 25:9 μήποτε mepote CONJ.S lest lest ever lest
G3379-01 Matthew 27:64 μήποτε mepote CONJ.S lest lest ever lest
G3379-01 Mark 4:12 μήποτε mepote CONJ.S lest lest ever lest ever
G3379-01 Mark 14:2 μήποτε mepote CONJ.S lest lest ever lest
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