Lexical Summary ei mé: except, unless, if not Original Word: εἰ μή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance but, except that, if not, save only. From ei and me; if not -- but, except (that), if not, more than, save (only) that, saving, till. see GREEK ei see GREEK me HELPS Word-studies 1508 ei mḗ (from 1487 /ei, "if" and 3361 /mḗ, "not") – properly, if not (unless). 1508 (ei mḗ) views (assumes as) what precedes is fact, and extends it to its negative possibility or exception meaning "otherwise, unless." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ei and mé Definition if not NASB Translation except (40), except* (1), more than (1), unless (1). Topical Lexicon Overview of the Phrase εἰ μή joins the conditional particle εἰ (“if”) with the negative μή (“not”), forming the idiom “except,” “unless,” or “if not.” The expression marks the boundary of possibility, highlighting what is excluded from the stated condition. By its very nature, εἰ μή invites the reader to focus on a single, divinely sanctioned exception or qualification. Theology of Exception and Qualification Scripture regularly uses εἰ μή to declare that God’s redemptive plan allows no alternative route apart from the one He has ordained. In the words of Jesus, “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Although John employs ἐὰν μή rather than εἰ μή, the concept mirrors the same force: salvation rests solely in Christ. Throughout the New Testament, εἰ μή underlines the exclusivity of divine truth, whether in entrance to the kingdom (Matthew 18:3), the permanence of Scripture (Matthew 5:18), or the sufficiency of grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). Patterns in the Synoptic Gospels 1. Clarifying Exceptions to Law or Custom 2. Highlighting Singular Divine Authority 3. Emphasizing True Kinship and Loyalty Pauline Usage: Grace and Exclusivity Paul favors εἰ μή to disclose a sole ground for boasting or confidence. Johannine Clarifications Though John tends to use ἐὰν μή, the theological thrust parallels εἰ μή. John 3:27 proclaims, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” The verse enshrines divine sovereignty: every blessing is an “except” that depends on God’s gracious initiative. Old Testament Septuagint Parallels In the Greek Old Testament, εἰ μή consistently narrows possibilities to the unique will of Yahweh. For example, Deuteronomy 4:2: “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor shall you take from it,” the implied εἰ μή indicates that only God may amend His revelation. Historical Usage in Early Church Church Fathers drew on εἰ μή when refuting heresy. Irenaeus wrote that redemption is unattainable “except through the blood of the Son,” echoing the New Testament’s insistent εἰ μή. Likewise, Athanasius appealed to the phrase in defending the incarnation: mankind could not be restored “unless the Word became flesh.” Implications for Teaching and Preaching 1. Exclusivity of the Gospel: εἰ μή calls congregations to recognize that faith in Christ alone saves. Practical Ministry Application • Counseling: εἰ μή encourages counselees to identify false hopes and anchor trust exclusively in God’s promises. By spotlighting God’s divinely endorsed exceptions, εἰ μή magnifies His sovereign freedom and the singular path He has appointed for redemption, obedience, and hope. Forms and Transliterations ει ειμήLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance εἴκοσι — 11 Occ.εἴξαμεν — 1 Occ. ἔοικεν — 2 Occ. εἰκὼν — 6 Occ. εἰκόνα — 10 Occ. εἰκόνι — 4 Occ. εἰκόνος — 3 Occ. εἰλικρινείᾳ — 1 Occ. εἰλικρινείας — 2 Occ. εἰλικρινῆ — 1 Occ. ᾖ — 43 Occ. ἤμην — 15 Occ. ἦμεν — 8 Occ. ἤμεθα — 5 Occ. ἦν — 315 Occ. ἦς — 7 Occ. ἦσαν — 95 Occ. ἦσθα — 2 Occ. ἦτε — 19 Occ. ἤτω — 2 Occ. |
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