The meaning of “εἰ μή”
Understanding ei mḗ reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
but, except (that), if not, more than, save (only) that, saving, till.
εἰ μή
but, except (that), if not, more than, save (only) that, saving, till.
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 16:4 | “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.” Word: εἰ μή (ei mḗ) | |
| John 15:22 | “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.” Word: εἰ μή (ei mḗ) | |
| 1 Corinthians 7:17 | “But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.” Word: εἰ μή (ei mḗ) | |
| Ephesians 4:9 | “(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?” Word: εἰ μή (ei mḗ) | |
| Hebrews 3:18 | “And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?” Word: εἰ μή (ei mḗ) |