G3763

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word οὐδέποτε (oudépote) translates to “never” and serves to express a strong negation regarding time or occurrence. It is significant in its emphasis on absolute denial, often used to reinforce the certainty of an event not taking place. The term is composed of the prefix οὐ (ou), meaning “not,” and the word ποτέ (poté), which means “ever.” Together, they convey the idea of “not ever” or “at no time.” This word appears in various biblical contexts, including Matthew 7:23, where it underscores the finality of judgment, indicating that certain individuals will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: οὐδέποτε (oudépote) [oo-deh-poh-teh]

Etymology: The term is a combination of the negation prefix οὐ (ou) meaning “not,” and ποτέ (poté), which translates to “ever” or “at any time.” This etymological construction reinforces the absolute denial inherent in its meaning.

Part of Speech: Adverb.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

The primary meanings of οὐδέποτε include:

Never: The most straightforward meaning, indicating that something will not happen at any time in the past, present, or future.

At no time: Used to emphasize the absence of an event occurring throughout all of time, reinforcing the sense of finality.

Not ever: Similar to “never,” this phrase intensifies the negation, often used in contexts where an absolute refusal or denial is expressed.

Exploring Similar Words

οὐ (ou) (ou) [oo]: This word is a basic negation meaning “not.” It differs from οὐδέποτε in that it does not indicate time; rather, it simply negates a statement or proposition.

ποτέ (poté) (poté) [poh-teh]: Meaning “ever” or “at any time,” this word is often used in positive contexts, whereas οὐδέποτε incorporates negation.

οὐδέ (oudé) (ou-deh) [oo-deh]: This word means “nor” or “not even.” While it negates like οὐδέποτε, it functions differently in sentence structure, connecting negative phrases rather than expressing time.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Adverbs:

Morphological features of οὐδέποτε highlight its status as a simple adverb. It does not change form based on case, number, or gender, as it does not exhibit declension.

Studying Lexicon Insights

A synthesis of insights from major Greek lexicons reveals that οὐδέποτε functions as a strong temporal adverb emphasizing absolute negation. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts emphasizing divine judgment, exclusion, or the unchangeable nature of God’s promises. Theological interpretations often regard its usage as significant in discussions of salvation and judgment, underscoring the eternal consequences of choices made in life. The prevalence of this term in both biblical and secular texts highlights its importance in conveying certainty and finality in Greek literature and scripture.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 7:23: “And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ [οὐδέποτε]”

Hebrews 13:5: “For He has said, ‘I will never [οὐδέποτε] leave you nor forsake you.’”

Luke 1:48: “For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. [οὐδέποτε]”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, οὐδέποτε appears in various contexts to express absolute negation regarding time or events.

Example 1: Plato, The Republic: “Justice does not come from evil, nor will it ever [οὐδέποτε] be found in the hands of the wicked.”

Example 2: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “A good life is not to be had from wealth, nor can happiness be achieved at any time [οὐδέποτε] through greed.”

Example 3: Herodotus, Histories: “There are some who will never [οὐδέποτε] comprehend the depth of human folly.”

Septuagint Example 1: Isaiah 43:13: “From eternity [οὐδέποτε] I am, and none can deliver out of my hand.”

Septuagint Example 2: Job 14:6: “Turn your gaze from him, that he may rest, until he enjoys his day like a hired hand [οὐδέποτε].”

Septuagint Example 3: Psalm 50:16: “But to the sinner God says, ‘What right have you to declare my statutes, or take my covenant in your mouth?’ [οὐδέποτε]”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word οὐδέποτε conveys a powerful message of absolute negation concerning time, underscoring its use in biblical and literary contexts to emphasize certainty and finality in judgments, decisions, and divine truths.

Did You Know?

1. The word οὐδέποτε appears in the context of divine judgment, signifying the permanence of God’s decisions.

2. Its construction—combining a negation with a temporal aspect—allows it to express a strong denial that is frequently utilized in theological discussions.

3. In modern translations, οὐδέποτε is often rendered as “never,” highlighting its critical role in conveying essential truths in scripture.

Strong’s G3763: οὐδέποτε (oudépote) translates as “never,” emphasizing absolute negation in time, commonly used in biblical texts to signify the finality of divine judgment and the certainty of God’s promises.