### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek phrase εἰ μή (ei mḗ, `{{G1508}}`) is a compound particle formed from the conditional particle εἰ (ei, "if," `{{G1487}}`) and the negative particle μή (mē, "not," `{{G3361}}`). Literally, it translates to "if not." However, its semantic range in the New Testament is broader, often functioning as an exceptive or restrictive conjunction. The base definition indicates it can mean "but, except (that), if not, more than, save (only) that, saving, till."
This combination typically introduces an exception to a general statement or a necessary condition that must be met. It can also be used rhetorically to emphasize a strong affirmation, often translated as "only" or "none but." The presence of μή (mē) rather than οὐ (ou, `{{G3756}}`) is significant, as μή generally negates subjective or hypothetical statements, conditions, and volitions, aligning with the conditional nature of εἰ.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of εἰ μή in the New Testament is diverse, primarily serving to highlight exclusivity, necessity, or a singular truth.
1. **Exceptive/Restrictive:** This is the most common function, where εἰ μή sets apart an exception to a rule or statement.
* In [[Matthew 11:27]], Jesus declares, "All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Here, εἰ μή (translated "except") underscores the exclusive and unique knowledge shared between the Father and the Son, and the Son's sole prerogative in revealing the Father.
* [[John 12:24]] states, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." The "unless" (εἰ μή) here introduces an indispensable condition for spiritual fruitfulness, illustrating the necessity of sacrifice.
* In [[1 Corinthians 12:3]], Paul asserts, "Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says 'Jesus is accursed!' and no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except in the Holy Spirit." This passage uses εἰ μή to emphasize that acknowledging Jesus' lordship is not merely an intellectual assent but a divinely enabled confession.
2. **Rhetorical/Strong Affirmation (often "only" or "none but"):** εἰ μή can be used to emphasize a singular reality or absolute truth.
* [[1 Corinthians 8:4]] declares, "Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that 'an idol has no real existence,' and 'there is no God but one.'" Here, εἰ μή translates as "but" or "other than," forcefully asserting the absolute monotheism of Christian faith.
* In [[Galatians 1:7]], Paul corrects erroneous teaching: "not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ." While the Greek uses εἰ μή to mean "except that" or "unless it be that," it functions to deny the existence of an alternative gospel, emphasizing the singularity of the true gospel.
3. **Conditional "If not":** Less frequently, it maintains its literal conditional meaning.
* [[Matthew 24:22]] states, "And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short." Here, εἰ μή (rendered "if... not") introduces a counterfactual condition, highlighting divine intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding εἰ μή is enhanced by considering related Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **εἰ (ei, `{{G1487}}`):** The foundational conditional particle, establishing the hypothetical or conditional nature of the clause.
* **μή (mē, `{{G3361}}`):** The subjective negative particle, crucial for εἰ μή's role in expressing conditions, prohibitions, or exceptions. Its contrast with οὐ (ou, `{{G3756}}`), the objective negative, is vital in Greek grammar.
* **πλήν (plēn, `{{G4133}}`):** Meaning "nevertheless, however, but, except," this particle shares a similar exceptive function with εἰ μή, though πλήν often introduces a strong contrast or reservation.
* **ἀλλά (alla, `{{G235}}`):** "But, on the contrary." While broader in scope, ἀλλά can also introduce an exception or a strong antithesis, sometimes overlapping with the "but" sense of εἰ μή.
* **χωρίς (chōris, `{{G5565}}`):** "Apart from, without." This preposition expresses separation or the absence of something, often conveying an exceptive sense by indicating what is lacking or excluded.
* **Exclusivity:** A key concept conveyed by εἰ μή, emphasizing that something is unique or that a particular condition is the sole determinant.
* **Necessity/Conditionality:** The idea that certain outcomes or realities are contingent upon specific prerequisites, often introduced by εἰ μή.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of εἰ μή are profound, particularly in its emphasis on divine sovereignty, Christ's unique role, and the nature of salvation.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation:** Passages like [[Matthew 11:27]] ("no one knows the Father except the Son") powerfully assert God's sovereign initiative in revelation. Knowledge of God is not achieved through human effort alone but is divinely granted through Christ.
* **Exclusivity of Christ:** εἰ μή often reinforces the singular and indispensable role of Jesus Christ in salvation and spiritual understanding. While not always directly using εἰ μή, the concept of "no other way" or "no other name" (cf. [[Acts 4:12]]) is a core tenet, and εἰ μή articulates this exclusivity in various contexts, such as "no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" [[1 Corinthians 3:11]].
* **Divine Enablement and Grace:** The phrase frequently underscores that certain spiritual actions, confessions, or transformations are impossible apart from the work of God's Spirit or grace. [[1 Corinthians 12:3]] ("no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit") is a prime example, highlighting that true confession is Spirit-empowered.
* **Monotheism:** In affirming "there is no God but one" [[1 Corinthians 8:4]], εἰ μή serves as a foundational statement of biblical monotheism, distinguishing the one true God from all idols and false deities.
* **Conditions for Salvation/Discipleship:** While God's grace is primary, εἰ μή can also articulate necessary human responses or conditions for experiencing divine blessing or salvation, such as the need for repentance (cf. [[Luke 13:3]], though not using εἰ μή directly, the conditional logic is similar). It highlights that while salvation is by grace, it is not unconditional in its reception.
### Summary
The Greek phrase εἰ μή (ei mḗ, `{{G1508}}`) is a versatile compound particle meaning "if not," but more commonly functioning as an exceptive or restrictive conjunction translated as "but," "except," "unless," or "only." Formed from the conditional εἰ (if) and the subjective negative μή (not), it consistently points to an exception, a necessary condition, or a singular truth. In biblical contexts, εἰ μή is pivotal in emphasizing God's unique sovereignty, the exclusive and indispensable role of Jesus Christ in revelation and salvation, and the necessity of divine enablement for spiritual understanding and confession. It underscores the profound truth that certain spiritual realities are exclusively true or only attainable under specific, often divinely ordained, circumstances.
TRV