-πω
-pō
G4452
SILEX Entry
Definition
An enclitic particle introducing indefiniteness or unsettled possibility, particularly in comparative expressions; marks an action or state as 'yet', 'still', 'ever', 'as yet'—conveying that a condition or event is not certain, has not occurred so far, or is pending. Primarily functions as a component in compound adverbs (e.g., οὔπω 'not yet', μήπω 'not yet', πώποτε 'ever yet'). Rarely occurs independently in Koine Greek, but as an enclitic element signaling open, incomplete, or potential situations, especially in negative or interrogative constructions.
Semantic Range
yet, still, ever, as yet, up to this point, until now, (as part of compound negatives and indefinites)
Root / Etymology
Ultimately related to the particle πῶς ('how') or πώ ('yet', 'still'), though its independent existence outside compounds is barely attested in Koine Greek. Principal usage is as a bound or enclitic form within compound adverbial constructions indicating indefiniteness. Etymology otherwise uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The particle πω as a free-standing word is exceedingly rare in extant Greek literature of the Hellenistic and New Testament periods, with almost all attestations occurring within compound forms such as οὔπω (oupo, 'not yet'), μήπω (mēpo, 'not yet' with subjective negation), πώποτε (pōpote, 'ever yet'). These compounds frequently appear in the New Testament and Septuagint to express the sense of 'not yet,' 'still not,' or 'ever.' In these contexts, -πω serves to indicate incompletion or pending potential rather than a definite occurrence. In classical Greek, πω retains the function of lending indefiniteness or non-specific sense, particularly in questions and negatives, a sense retained in Koine compounds. Most English translations render the compound forms as 'yet,' 'still,' or 'ever,' but this can flatten the specific nuance of pending or indeterminate states marked by -πω.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
another form of the base of -πώς; an enclitic particle of indefiniteness; yet, even; used only in the comparative. See μηδέπω, μήπω, οὐδέπω, οὔπω, πώποτε.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.