Lexical Summary oudepote: Never Original Word: οὐδέποτε Strong's Exhaustive Concordance neverFrom oude and pote; not even at any time, i.e. Never at all -- neither at any time, never, nothing at any time. see GREEK oude see GREEK pote NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom oude and pote Definition never NASB Translation ever (1), never (14), nothing (1), nothing...ever (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3763: οὐδέποτεοὐδέποτε, adverb, denying absolutely and objectively (from οὐδέ and πότε, properly, not ever) (from Homer down), never: Matthew 7:23; Matthew 9:33; Matthew 26:33; Mark 2:12; (Luke 15:29 (bis)); John 7:46; Acts 10:14; Acts 11:8; Acts 14:8; 1 Corinthians 13:8; Hebrews 10:1, 11. interrogatively, did ye never, etc.: Matthew 21:16, 42; Mark 2:25. Topical Lexicon Scope of Usage The adverb conveys an absolute negation of time—“at no time, under no circumstance.” Its force is emphatic, underscoring finality, impossibility, or unprecedented reality. Sixteen occurrences span the Gospels, Acts, Paul’s letters, and Hebrews, allowing a panoramic view of salvation history—from Christ’s earthly ministry to the apostolic exposition of the new covenant. Christ’s Final Judgment (Matthew 7:23) “I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.” The term seals an irreversible verdict. Relationship, not mere profession, is determinative. The verse warns against external religiosity divorced from obedience. Unprecedented Miraculous Works (Matthew 9:33; Mark 2:12; Acts 14:8) Crowds exclaim that nothing like Jesus’ healings has “ever been seen in Israel” (Matthew 9:33) or done before (Mark 2:12). In Lystra, a man “who had never walked” (Acts 14:8) rises. The adverb amplifies the uniqueness of divine intervention, authenticating the gospel and prefiguring the eschatological restoration. Appeal to Scriptural Authority (Matthew 21:16, 42; Mark 2:25) “Have you never read…?” challenges religious leaders whose familiarity with Scripture lacked comprehension. The adverb highlights that willful ignorance—not lack of revelation—lies behind unbelief. Christ presents Himself as the cornerstone foretold, insisting Scripture is perspicuous and authoritative. Human Promises and Limitations (Matthew 26:33; Luke 15:29) Peter’s “I will never fall away” (Matthew 26:33) collapses within hours, illustrating the insufficiency of self-confidence apart from grace. The elder brother’s protest—“I never disobeyed your command” (Luke 15:29)—exposes self-righteous entitlement. The adverb accentuates the absoluteness of their claims and the inevitability of their failure. Recognition of Jesus’ Unique Authority (John 7:46) “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” The temple officers’ confession, despite pressure from authorities, underscores the intrinsic power of Christ’s words, foreshadowing the universal acknowledgment of His lordship. Transition from Old Covenant Boundaries (Acts 10:14; 11:8) Peter’s declaration—“I have never eaten anything impure or unclean”—shows covenantal scruples the gospel will transcend. The Spirit-led vision dismantles ceremonial barriers, affirming Gentile inclusion without compromising holiness. Superiority of the New Covenant (Hebrews 10:1, 11) The law’s sacrifices “can never” perfect or remove sins. The adverb underscores the perpetual inadequacy of repeated offerings and highlights the once-for-all sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10, 14). Permanence of Christian Love (1 Corinthians 13:8) “Love never fails.” Unlike gifts that cease, agapē outlasts temporal manifestations. The adverb anchors love’s permanence in God’s own character and provides an ethical horizon for Christian community. Theological Significance 1. Divine Finality—Whether in judgment or redemption, God’s pronouncements are irrevocable. Practical Implications for Ministry • Preaching should mirror Jesus’ use of Scripture, exposing superficial familiarity and calling for genuine obedience. Historical Reflection Church Fathers employed “never” texts to defend the deity of Christ (John 7:46) and the finality of His atonement (Hebrews 10). Reformation preaching leveraged Matthew 7:23 to differentiate true faith from dead works. Modern hymnody echoes 1 Corinthians 13:8 in emphasizing enduring love. Suggested Study Path 1. Trace every occurrence, noting the speaker, audience, and theological emphasis. Conclusion Strong’s 3763 serves as a linguistic marker of absolutes—never known, never seen, never failing. Through it, Scripture asserts the unparalleled authority of Christ, the necessity of genuine discipleship, and the abiding permanence of divine love. Forms and Transliterations Ουδεποτε ουδέποτε Οὐδέποτε Oudepote OudépoteLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 7:23 AdvGRK: αὐτοῖς ὅτι Οὐδέποτε ἔγνων ὑμᾶς NAS: I will declare to them, 'I never knew KJV: unto them, I never knew you: INT: to them Never knew I you Matthew 9:33 Adv Matthew 21:16 Adv Matthew 21:42 Adv Matthew 26:33 Adv Mark 2:12 Adv Mark 2:25 Adv Luke 15:29 Adv Luke 15:29 Adv John 7:46 Adv Acts 10:14 Adv Acts 11:8 Adv Acts 14:8 Adv 1 Corinthians 13:8 Adv Hebrews 10:1 Adv Hebrews 10:11 Adv |
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