ἐὰν μή
eàn mḗ
G3362
SILEX Entry
Definition
Conditional negative particle: 'if not,' used to introduce a negated protasis in conditional clauses; 'unless,' expressing an exclusive condition or exception to a prior statement. It often marks the only condition under which the main statement is true or valid, thus functioning to exclude all other alternatives. May also introduce exceptive or adversative nuances depending on context.
Semantic Range
unless, except (if), if not, except, but (except), unless perhaps
Root / Etymology
Compound of the conditional particle ἐάν ('if, in case') and the negative particle μή ('not'), both common in classical and Koine Greek. The formation ἐὰν μή is idiomatic, directly paralleling similar constructions in earlier Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Used exclusively in conditional or exceptive constructions to introduce a necessary negative requirement for the main clause to occur. Common throughout the Septuagint and New Testament to convey the sense 'unless' or 'except (if).' Sometimes rendered in English as 'except,' 'but,' or 'unless,' depending on context, but the core logic is consistently that of a negated or exclusive condition. Unlike the related particle εἰ μή, which is also translated 'except' or 'unless,' ἐὰν μή is characteristically used in the protasis of conditional sentences, marking an open or general condition. In classical Greek, similar structures appear, but ἐὰν μή is especially productive in post-classical and Koine literature. English translations often render the phrase according to interpretive tradition and may obscure its strictly conditional force.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
i.e. ἐάν and μή; if not, i.e. unless:--X before, but, except, if, no, (if, + whosoever) not.
Root Family
ἐάν, μή (eàn mḗ) — if, not
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.