μήπω
mḗpō
G3380 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
Negative adverb indicating 'not yet'—the denial of something having occurred up to a particular point in time, while allowing for the possibility of occurrence in the future. Used temporally to state that an event has not taken place as of the time being referenced. In certain contexts, may carry an implicit sense of expectation or anticipation that the event may occur subsequently.
Semantic Range
not yet (subjective negation); not up to this time; not as of now; with expectation or potential of future occurrence
Root / Etymology
Compound formed from the negative particle μή ('not') and the enclitic adverb πω ('yet, still, at all'). The elements are native Greek; the construction is typical in Koine for forming temporal and negative adverbs.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μήπω functions as a temporal negative adverb, used to express that an event or state has not occurred up until the present (or referenced) point, but may occur later. It appears in both secular and biblical Greek (including the Septuagint and New Testament), almost always in direct speech or narrative to denote incompletion. In Koine, μήπω is encountered especially with verbs in the perfect, present, or aorist tenses with the subjunctive or indicative mood, where it conveys a nuance different from οὔπω (its more neutral negative counterpart), since μήπω carries a subjective or potential aspect (μή being used for non-indicative or subjective negation). It is less frequent than οὔπω and is usually preferred in prohibitions or in contexts of uncertainty or anticipation. Standard English translations render μήπω as 'not yet,' but the Greek usage may have more nuance regarding uncertainty or subjectivity than is typically conveyed in English translation. In the LXX and NT, μήπω occurs especially in dialogue or rhetorical questions, frequently as a marker of expectation that something will happen in the near future. The distinction between μή and οὐ negations is important for the interpretation of the speaker's stance in Greek context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μή and -πω; not yet:--not yet.
Root Family
μή-, πω (mḗpō) — not (subjective negation), yet (up to the present or point in time)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3380-01 |
μήπω | mepo | ADV |
not yet | not yet | not yet | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3380-01 |
Romans 9:11 | μήπω | mepo | ADV |
not yet | not yet | not yet |
G3380-01 |
Hebrews 9:8 | μήπω | mepo | ADV |
not yet | not yet | not yet |