Lexical Summary médepó: Not yet Original Word: μηδέπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance not yet. From mede and po; not even yet -- not yet. see GREEK mede see GREEK po NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom méde and #NAME? Definition not yet NASB Translation yet (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3369: μηδέπωμηδέπω (μηδέ and πω), adverb, not yet: Hebrews 11:7. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance Appearing only once in the Greek New Testament, the word translated “not yet” introduces a time reference that places an event or reality firmly in the future. It denies that something has occurred or been experienced up to the moment in view, thereby sharpening the contrast between the present visible world and the invisible future promised by God. Biblical Occurrence Hebrews 11:7 supplies the single instance: “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, with godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Context in Hebrews 11:7 Hebrews 11 presents a catalogue of believers whose lives were marked by trust in God’s word. The writer selects Noah to illustrate obedience grounded in revelation concerning realities “not yet” visible—specifically, a universal flood and divine judgment. The particle intensifies the unseen character of the warning: no prior rain, no precedent for a cataclysm of such magnitude, no empirical confirmation. Noah’s response therefore becomes a paradigm of faith that acts on God’s promises before any tangible verification appears. Faith and the Unseen 1. Faith apprehends divine testimony as sufficient evidence (Hebrews 11:1). Historical Background: Noah’s Generation Genesis 6–9 records a society characterized by violence and corruption. Against this backdrop, God’s warning came, calling for a 120-year preparation period. The ark itself became a visual sermon, confronting contemporaries with the reality that judgment—though “not yet”—was certain. Noah’s construction project, guided solely by revelation, underscored the credibility of God’s word over prevailing cultural assumptions. The Principle of Prophetic Warning Throughout Scripture, God announces future acts of judgment or redemption long before their manifestation: In each case, the delay serves to test hearts, extend mercy, and separate faith from unbelief. Connections to Other Biblical Themes • Righteousness by faith: Noah “became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith,” prefiguring the Pauline doctrine (Romans 1:17). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Encourage believers to act on Scripture even when outcomes are invisible. Homiletical Suggestions Sermon Title: “Building in the ‘Not Yet’” Outline: 1. God’s Warning—The Certainty of Judgment Devotional Reflection Every act of obedience today anticipates a promise “not yet” seen. Like Noah, believers are called to invest time, resources, and reputation in what God has said rather than what eyes presently verify. Such trust honors the Lord, comforts the faithful, and serves as a prophetic sign to an unbelieving world. Forms and Transliterations μηδεπω μηδέπω medepo medépo mēdepō mēdépōLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |