μηδέποτε
mēdépote
G3368 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
An emphatic negative adverb meaning 'not ever at any time,' 'never'; used to communicate the absolute negation of a possibility, event, or state, sometimes with additional force as 'not even once.' In context, marks the strongest possible denial of occurrence or existence in the past, present, or future.
Semantic Range
never, not ever, not even once, not at any time, under no circumstances
Root / Etymology
Compound of μηδέ ('not even, nor') and ποτέ ('ever, at any time'). Not derived from an earlier single Greek word, but from joining these existing particles to produce an emphatic negative.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μηδέποτε functions strictly as an adverb, most often found in legal, narrative, or didactic contexts in Hellenistic and Koine Greek. It marks a categorical, absolute denial, contrasting with οὐδέποτε, which is formed from the particle οὐ ('not') and ποτέ, and used in similar contexts, though μηδέποτε often appears where a subjective, volitional, or indefinite negation is in view (commonly with verbs in the subjunctive or prohibitions). In the Septuagint and New Testament, μηδέποτε intensifies negation, especially in commands or general truths, and closely parallels the use of the Hebrew negative adverb לְעוֹלָם לֹא ('never'). English translations render it as 'never,' but this flattens some of its force; the word may imply 'not even under any circumstance, at any time.' Occurs with stronger negation than merely μηδέ or ποτέ alone.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μηδέ and ποτέ; not even ever:--never.
Root Family
μηδέποτε (mēdépote) — not even, nor, ever; not even at any time
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3368-01 |
μηδέποτε | medepote | ADV |
never | not ever at any time | never | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3368-01 |
2 Timothy 3:7 | μηδέποτε | medepote | ADV |
never | not ever at any time | never |