Lexical Summary mépote: Lest, perhaps, in case, otherwise Original Word: μήποτε Strong's Exhaustive Concordance peradventure, lestOr me pote (may pot'-eh) from me and pote; not ever; also if (or lest) ever (or perhaps) -- if peradventure, lest (at any time, haply), not at all, whether or not. see GREEK me see GREEK pote NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom mé and pote Definition never, lest ever NASB Translation if (1), if perhaps (1), never (1), no (1), or (1), or else (1), otherwise (6), so (7), whether (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3379: μήποτεμήποτε (from μή and πότε) (μή πότε (separately) L WH (except Matthew 25:9, see below) Tr (except 2 Timothy 2:25)), differing from οὔποτε as μή does from οὐ; (from Homer down). Accordingly it is: 1. a particle of Negation; not ever, never: ἐπεί μήποτε ἰσχύει, since it is never of force, because the writer thinks that the very idea of its having force is to be denied, Hebrews 9:17 (where WH text μή τότε), on which see Winers Grammar, 480 (447), cf. Buttmann, 353 (304); but others refer, this passage to 3 a. below. 2. a prohibitory conjunction; lest ever, lest at any time, lest haply, (also written separately μή πότε ((see at the beginning), especially when the component parts retain each its distinctive force; cf. Lipsius, Gram. Untersuch., p. 129f; Ellendt, Lex. Sophocles 2:107. In the N. T. use of this particle the notion of time usual to πότε seems to recede before that of contingency, lest perchance)), so that it refers to the preceding verb and indicates the purpose of the designated action (Winer's Grammar, § 56, 2): with a subjunctive present Luke 12:58; with a subjunctive aorist, Matthew 4:6 and Luke 4:11, from Psalm 90:12 d.): (Matthew 7:6 L T Tr WH; (cf. 3. a particle of interrogation accompanied with doubt (see μή, III.), whether ever, whether at any time; whether perchance, whether haply, (German doch nicht etwa; ob nicht etwa); a. in a direct question introduced by ἐπεί, for, else (see ἐπεί, 2 under the end): so according to the not improbable interpretation of some (e. g. L WH marginal reading, Delitzsch) in Hebrews 9:17, see in 1 above. In the remaining N. T. passages so used that the inquirer, though he doubts and expects a negative answer, yet is inclined to believe what he doubtfully asks about; thus, in a direct question, in John 7:26. b. in indirect questions; α. with the optative (where the words are regarded as the thought of someone (Winers Grammar, § 41 b. 4 c.; Buttmann, § 139, 60)): Luke 3:15. (See β.) β. with the subjunctive: 2 Timothy 2:25 (R G L (cf. Buttmann, 46 (40));. but T Tr WH text give the optative), where μήποτε κτλ. depend on the suppressed idea διαλογιζόμενος (cf. Buttmann, § 139, 62 at the end; Winer's Grammar, as above). Strong’s Greek 3379 marks a note of caution, often translated “lest,” “perhaps,” or “otherwise.” It signals the possibility of an unwanted outcome and therefore invites a prudent, preventative response. Though common in wider Koine literature, it appears only once in the Greek New Testament, sharpening its focus within the canonical text. Biblical Context The single occurrence stands in Matthew 25:9, within the Parable of the Ten Virgins. When the five wise virgins must refuse the request of the five foolish, they explain, “No… there may not be enough for both us and you. Go instead to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves” (Matthew 25:9). The conjunction “lest” (μηποτε) anchors their refusal: the wise act to prevent a mutual loss. In the narrative logic of the parable, the word intensifies the urgency of preparedness for the bridegroom’s arrival, echoing Jesus’ larger eschatological exhortations in Matthew 24–25. Theological Themes 1. Vigilance and Preparedness. The conjunction underscores that watchfulness is not passive; it demands foresight that averts spiritual catastrophe. Historical Reception Early patristic writers picked up the parable’s language when admonishing congregations to persevere in faith: The warning nuance embedded in the word helped shape homiletical appeals during seasons such as Advent, when the Church historically reflected on the Second Coming. Application in Ministry Pastoral counselors and preachers draw on Matthew 25:9 to encourage believers toward spiritual disciplines: prayer, Scripture intake, and holiness—“lest” their lamps run dry. The term also informs stewardship teaching: making provision now for future ministry needs. In evangelism it becomes a compassionate caution, urging hearers to trust Christ without delay. Intertextual Echoes Although the exact term appears only in Matthew 25:9, its logic resonates with Old Testament passages that couple warning with promise—Genesis 3:22 (“lest he reach out his hand”) or Deuteronomy 29:19 (“so it may not happen”). Thus, Strong’s 3379 stands in continuity with the Scriptural pattern of gracious alerts aimed at preserving life and covenant fidelity. Summary Strong’s Greek 3379, while numerically sparse in the New Testament, carries weighty significance. By conveying the possibility of loss, it amplifies Jesus’ call to readiness, highlights individual accountability, and fuels pastoral exhortation to vigilant faith. |
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