μηδέπω
mēdépō
G3369 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
A particle meaning 'not yet,' expressing that something has not occurred up to the present moment or at the current point in time, often with an expectation or implication that it may occur later. Used to emphasize the complete absence of a fact or action up to 'now,' sometimes with a heightened sense compared to οὔπω (oupo, 'not yet'). In certain contexts, it carries a force of 'not ever yet,' i.e., not even at this point.
Semantic Range
not yet, not ever up to now, not even up to the present, not as of this time, never yet
Root / Etymology
From the negative particle μηδέ (not even, nor even) and the enclitic adverb -πω ('yet', as in πω; from Attic Ionic usage indicating temporal reference). The construction is a Koine development formed to express negation coupled with a temporal aspect.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μηδέπω is found primarily in Koine Greek, including the New Testament, and is relatively rare in earlier classical Greek (which more often used οὔπω for 'not yet'). The prefix μηδέ adds emphasis to the negation, typically in contexts governed by moods of potentiality, such as the subjunctive or with verbs expressing possibility or desire. μηδέπω can convey a stronger or more emphatic denial than οὔπω, especially in negative rhetorical questions or emphatic denials. In English translations, it is usually rendered 'not yet'; however, this can obscure the heightened negative force. Its usage in the New Testament is rare and found in passages concerned with the non-occurrence of an event up to the current moment. The term is more nuanced than a simple temporal negative, sometimes accompanying exhortations or warnings (e.g., John 7:39). The usage of μή-based negatives often relates to non-indicative moods or general prohibitions, while οὐ-based negatives tend to be for factual non-occurrence in the indicative. The distinction is somewhat blurred in Koine, but in μηδέπω the μή- form is retained.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μηδέ and -πω; not even yet:--not yet.
Root Family
μηδέπω (mēdepō) — not even, nor even, yet, not yet
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3369-01 |
μηδέπω | medepo | ADV |
not yet | not even yet | not yet | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3369-01 |
Hebrews 11:7 | μηδέπω | medepo | ADV |
not yet | not even yet | not yet |