Brief Overview of εἰ μή (Strong’s G1508: ei mē)

Introduction:

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek conjunctions like εἰ μή (ei mē) is crucial for accurately interpreting the text, especially in terms of logical connections and conditional statements. This conjunction is frequently used in the New Testament to introduce exceptions, limitations, or conditions, often translated as “except” or “unless.” By examining εἰ μή, we gain insights into the way ancient Greek writers structured their arguments, articulated conditions, and clarified their points. Its relevance extends beyond Biblical texts, providing a window into the logic and rhetoric of ancient Greek culture.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: εἰ μή (ei mē) [ay-MAY]
• Etymology: A combination of εἰ (ei), meaning “if,” and μή (mē), meaning “not.”
• Part of Speech: Conjunction
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Except
• Unless
• If not

Similar Words:

• πλήν (plḗn) [PLANE]: A conjunction meaning “but” or “except,” often used to introduce an exception or contrast.
• ἄνευ (áneu) [AHN-ehv]: Translated as “without,” this preposition introduces a condition or limitation, similar in some contexts to εἰ μή.
• εἰ δὲ μή (ei de mē) [ay de MAY]: Meaning “but if not,” this phrase is similar to εἰ μή but often used to introduce alternative scenarios rather than straightforward exceptions.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• εἰ μή is a compound conjunction composed of εἰ, which introduces a condition (typically “if”), and μή, which negates the condition (“not”). Together, they function to set a boundary or exception within a statement.
• Usage in Sentences: εἰ μή is typically used to qualify a statement, introducing the idea that something is true “except” under certain conditions.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG describes εἰ μή as a conjunction used primarily to introduce exceptions or exclusions. It is frequently found in the New Testament, where it serves to clarify or narrow the scope of a preceding statement, often with theological or moral implications.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon highlights that εἰ μή functions to denote an exception or a condition that must be met. It often appears in legal or doctrinal contexts within the New Testament, where precision in meaning is critical.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses εἰ μή in the context of its role in conditional sentences, noting that it is usually translated as “except” or “unless.” Vine’s emphasizes the conjunction’s importance in conveying nuanced conditions or exclusions.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon traces εἰ μή back to classical Greek usage, where it was commonly used in legal and rhetorical contexts to introduce exceptions or specify conditions. LSJ notes its frequent appearance in both prose and poetry.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἰ μή as a conjunction meaning “except” or “unless,” emphasizing its role in forming conditional statements or exceptions in the New Testament. Strong’s highlights its importance in accurately understanding the limits or qualifications of a statement.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 12:4: “How he entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, which it was not lawful for him to eat nor for those who were with him, but only (εἰ μή) for the priests?”
• John 3:13: “No one has ascended into heaven except (εἰ μή) he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:5: “On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except (εἰ μή) of my weaknesses.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of εἰ μή (G1508: ei mē)

The Greek conjunction εἰ μή (ei mē), meaning “except” or “unless,” is a key element in forming conditional and exception-based statements in the New Testament. It allows writers to specify conditions under which a statement is true, adding precision and nuance to theological arguments, moral teachings, and legal discussions. Understanding εἰ μή is essential for interpreting passages that hinge on the presence or absence of particular conditions, making it a vital tool in the study of Biblical Greek. Its usage in both classical and Biblical texts underscores its importance in conveying exceptions, limitations, and conditional scenarios.

Did You Know?

The conjunction εἰ μή (ei mē) is closely tied to the logic and rhetoric of ancient Greek, where precision in language was highly valued. In classical rhetoric, εἰ μή was often used to introduce exceptions that could dramatically alter the meaning of a statement, making it a powerful tool in debate and discourse. This linguistic nuance carries over into the New Testament, where εἰ μή is frequently used to clarify or qualify statements, ensuring that the reader understands the specific conditions under which a statement holds true.