The meaning of “μήποτε”
Understanding mḗpote reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
if peradventure, lest (at any time, haply), not at all, whether or not. - not ever - also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)
μήποτε
if peradventure, lest (at any time, haply), not at all, whether or not. - not ever - also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 13:29 | “But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.” Word: μήποτε (mḗpote) | |
| Mark 14:2 | “But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.” Word: μήποτε (mḗpote) | |
| Luke 14:8 | “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;” Word: μήποτε (mḗpote) | |
| John 7:26 | “But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?” Word: μήποτε (mḗpote) | |
| Acts 28:27 | “For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.” Word: μήποτε (mḗpote) |