3258

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Background and Range of Meaning

Strong’s Greek 3258 represents an unused form of an otherwise familiar prohibition-particle construction that conveys the sense “lest,” “lest perhaps,” or “so that … not.” Although this spelling does not occur in the canonical Greek New Testament, cognate forms (μήποτε, μήπως, μή) are common. They introduce clauses that warn against an unwanted result, call for vigilance, or express godly concern. In effect, the word family supplies Scripture with an idiom of pastoral caution—alerting believers to real dangers while upholding the certainty of God’s purposes.

Old Testament and Septuagint Foundations

The Septuagint regularly employs the μή-plus-particle construction when translating Hebrew pen-clauses (“lest”). Notable examples include:
• Deuteronomy 20:8 – “Lest the heart of his brothers melt like his own heart.”
• Psalm 28:1 – “Do not be silent to me, lest I become like those who go down to the Pit.”
• Proverbs 5:9 – “Lest you give your honor to others.”

Thus, long before the New Testament era the phraseology had become the standard way to render divine and human cautions, framing obedience as the remedy to looming loss.

Echoes in the Gospels

Though 3258 itself is absent, related forms saturate the teaching of Jesus.
• Matthew 7:6 – “Do not give dogs what is holy… lest they turn and tear you to pieces.”
• Mark 4:12 – “…otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.”
• Luke 14:29 – “Lest, after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him.”

Each saying pairs a command with the realistic consequence of ignoring that command, illustrating the Lord’s pastoral heart: He warns so that His hearers may escape ruin.

Pauline and General Epistle Emphases

The apostles adopt the same rhetoric to safeguard fledgling congregations:
• Galatians 4:11 – “I fear for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.”
• 1 Thessalonians 3:5 – “…lest by some means the tempter had tempted you.”
• Hebrews 12:15 – “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.”

Their warnings assume that genuine believers are kept by God yet are also responsible to heed admonition. The conjunction of certainty and contingency shapes healthy Christian perseverance.

Theology of Redemptive Warning

1. Divine Means: God ordains warnings as instruments to preserve His people (Acts 27:31).
2. Human Responsibility: Saints must respond in faith and obedience (James 1:22).
3. Pastoral Compassion: A true shepherd exposes threats before they devour the flock (John 10:12-13).
4. Eschatological Sobriety: Neglecting the “lest” clauses may reveal a heart never regenerated (Hebrews 3:12).

Historical Reception

Early Fathers (e.g., Ignatius, Polycarp) copied the apostolic pattern, urging churches to “watch, lest” they fall into heresy. Reformers such as John Calvin stressed the same balance: God’s electing grace does not nullify but rather guarantees the efficacy of biblical admonitions. Evangelical missions literature continues the trajectory—warnings are preached side by side with promises to move hearers toward saving faith.

Implications for Contemporary Ministry

• Preaching: Faithful exposition does not shy away from the conditional notes of Scripture; it leverages them to call for repentance and perseverance.
• Counseling: Personal admonition—“lest a root of bitterness grow”—remains integral to church discipline and reconciliation.
• Discipleship: Mentors encourage vigilance in prayer and doctrine, echoing Paul’s concern “lest Satan should outwit us” (2 Corinthians 2:11).
• Evangelism: Gospel presentations include both the promise of life and the peril of judgment, following Jesus’ own practice.

Summary

Although Strong’s 3258 never appears in the Greek New Testament, its cognate family permeates the biblical canon, encapsulating the gracious warnings of God. These “lest” clauses blend divine sovereignty with human accountability, urging believers to steady obedience and alerting the unrepentant to impending loss. The Church, therefore, continues to cherish and proclaim them, confident that the God who warns also enables His people to heed the warning.

Englishman's Concordance

μελῶν — 2 Occ.
μέλος — 5 Occ.
Μελχὶ — 2 Occ.
Μελχισεδέκ — 8 Occ.
ἔμελεν — 2 Occ.
μέλει — 7 Occ.
μελέτω — 1 Occ.
μεμβράνας — 1 Occ.
μέμφεται — 1 Occ.
μεμφόμενος — 1 Occ.
μὲν — 182 Occ.
Μενοῦν — 1 Occ.
μενοῦνγε — 2 Occ.
μέντοι — 8 Occ.
ἐμείναμεν — 2 Occ.
ἔμειναν — 2 Occ.
ἔμεινεν — 10 Occ.
ἔμενεν — 3 Occ.
ἔμενον — 1 Occ.
μεῖναι — 6 Occ.