"can function as an adverb, BDAG 648, lists it as a negative part., conj., and interrogative part., same signif. and usage as μή, Mt. 4:6; 13:15; Heb. 9:17; also, whether, Lk. 3:15"
Definition and meaning
can function as an adverb, BDAG 648, lists it as a negative part., conj., and interrogative part., same signif. and usage as μή, Mt. 4:6; 13:15; Heb. 9:17; also, whether, Lk. 3:15
In the original Greek the word is written: μήποτε
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of mepote (G3379) across the King James Bible.
And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar of the people.
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Common questions
Strong's G3379 (mepote) is a Greek word that means: can function as an adverb, BDAG 648, lists it as a negative part., conj., and interrogative part., same signif. and usage as μή, Mt. 4:6; 13:15; Heb. 9:17; also, whether, Lk. 3:15 It appears 25 times in the King James Bible.
The word mepote (G3379) appears 25 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3379 is mepote, a Greek word defined as: can function as an adverb, BDAG 648, lists it as a negative part., conj., and interrogative part., same signif. and usage as μή, Mt. 4:6; 13:15; Heb. . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
mepote is a Greek word found in the New Testament.