μήπως
mḗpōs
G3381
SILEX Entry
Definition
A particle expressing apprehension that something might occur, often rendered as 'lest perhaps,' 'in case,' or 'so that not.' It conveys the idea of guarding against an undesired possibility—introducing clauses warning against potential outcomes. Carries a sense of uncertainty or speculation about a negative event or result, often translated as 'lest by any means' or 'lest somehow.' In some contexts, it may simply communicate a tentative or hypothetical circumstance.
Semantic Range
lest perhaps, in case, lest by any means, lest somehow, perhaps, by some means, for fear that
Root / Etymology
Compound of μή (not; a particle of negation) and πώς (in some way, somehow). Literally 'not somehow.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, μήπως is attested as early as the 5th century BCE and primarily introduces subjunctive clauses expressing concern for a possible undesirable result. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, as found in the New Testament, it frequently warns against negative potentialities, e.g., μήπως πειρασθῶμεν ('lest we be tempted'). The force is primarily deliberative and cautionary. English translations such as 'lest by any means' can obscure the nuance, as μήπως is not about certainty but about cautious speculation or fear of a negative outcome. In Attic and later Greek, distinguishes itself from μήποτε and μή (bare negation), with μήπως focusing particularly on the manner or possibility ('lest in some way'), while μήποτε ('lest ever' or 'lest at any time') introduces a temporal nuance. The word is virtually absent from the Septuagint but occurs several times in the New Testament, reflecting Koine usage. The basic meaning is consistent across periods, but the contexts shift to increasingly focus on situational warnings rather than purely hypothetical conditions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μή and -πώς; lest somehow:--lest (by any means, by some means, haply, perhaps).
Root Family
μή-πῶς (mḗpōs) — not somehow, lest by some means, so that not
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.