Lexical Summary mepo: Not yet Original Word: μηπω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance not yet. From me and po; not yet -- not yet. see GREEK me see GREEK po Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3380: μήπωμήπω (or μή πω, L Tr in Romans 9:11) (μή and πω) (from Homer down), adverb; 1. not yet: in construction with the accusative and infinitive, Hebrews 9:8; with a ptcp, μήπω γάρ γεννηθέντων, though they were not yet born, Romans 9:11, where compare Fritzsche. 2. lest in any way (?): Acts 27:29 Lachmann μήπω marks a moment that has not arrived but is expected. It is more than a simple negation; it anticipates a divinely appointed future fulfillment. Occurrences in Scripture Romans 9:11 – “Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, but in order that God’s plan of election might stand,”. Hebrews 9:8 – “By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.”. Literary and Historical Setting Romans 9:11 belongs to Paul’s defense of divine election, written near the close of his third missionary journey. The adverb highlights that God’s choice of Jacob over Esau occurred before (“not yet”) any human work, proving salvation is rooted in grace, not merit. Hebrews 9:8, composed before the temple’s fall, contrasts the limited access of the Old Covenant with the open access secured by Christ. “Not yet” underscores that the Levitical system was provisional, awaiting the perfect sacrifice. Theological Significance 1. Sovereignty Over Time – God alone sets the timetable for revelation and redemption (Acts 1:7). Intertextual Echoes John 2:4; John 7:6 show Jesus Himself operating by the Father’s “not yet,” reinforcing the motif of divinely controlled timing throughout Scripture. Ministry Application • Assurance: Delays are purposeful; God’s plan is on schedule. Conclusion Though occurring only twice, μήπω powerfully affirms that every stage of salvation history unfolds according to God’s precise and gracious timetable. Englishman's Concordance Romans 9:11 AdvGRK: μήπω γὰρ γεννηθέντων NAS: for though [the twins] were not yet born KJV: [the children] being not yet born, INT: not yet indeed having been born Hebrews 9:8 Adv |
    |