### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mēdépote**, represented by `{{G3368}}`, is a definitive term for **never**. It is formed from the words μηδέ (not even) and ποτέ (ever). Its appearance is exceptionally rare, occurring only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, which gives its single usage significant weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G3368}}` is in [[2 Timothy 3:7]], where it describes a group of people who are "Ever learning, and **never** able to come to the knowledge of the truth." In this context, **mēdépote** establishes an absolute and permanent inability. It is not simply that these individuals have not yet arrived at the truth, but that they are on a path where they will "not even ever" be able to reach it, despite their constant intellectual activity. The word marks a state of perpetual, fruitless searching.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify the meaning of `{{G3368}}`:
* `{{G3129}}` **manthánō** (to learn): This describes the continuous action that fails to produce a result. The individuals are always in the process of learning, as seen in the phrase "Ever `learning{G3129}`" [[2 Timothy 3:7]].
* `{{G1410}}` **dýnamai** (to be able or possible): This word for ability is directly negated by **mēdépote**. The issue is not a lack of effort but a complete lack of capacity, being "never `able{G1410}`" [[2 Timothy 3:7]]. This contrasts with God's power, who is "able to do exceeding abundantly" [[Ephesians 3:20]].
* `{{G1922}}` **epígnōsis** (full discernment, acknowledgement): This is the specific type of "knowledge" that is unattainable for those described. It represents a deep, genuine recognition of truth, which stands in contrast to their superficial learning. God's desire is for all to come to this `knowledge{G1922}` of the truth [[1 Timothy 2:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3368}}` is concentrated in its single appearance, offering a stark warning.
* **Futility of Misdirected Learning:** The word underscores the biblical theme that intellectual pursuit without a proper foundation in God is ultimately futile. The state of "ever learning" is shown to be meaningless if it **never** leads to the "knowledge of the truth" [[2 Timothy 3:7]].
* **An Absolute Barrier:** **Mēdépote** does not suggest a temporary delay but a permanent state of being barred from the truth. It describes a condition where an individual is fundamentally unable to progress from seeking to finding.
* **The Nature of Truth:** Its use implicitly defines truth not as a conclusion reached by any path of learning, but as a specific reality that some, due to their condition, are **never** able to grasp. The "truth" (`alḗtheia`) is presented as something that must be "come to," a destination that is inaccessible to them [[2 Timothy 3:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3368}}` is a powerful term whose significance is magnified by its rarity. As **mēdépote**, it means "not even ever" or **never**. Its use in [[2 Timothy 3:7]] creates a sobering contrast between endless activity and zero progress, highlighting that some forms of learning are not just unproductive but create a permanent inability to arrive at the "knowledge of the truth." The word serves as a critical reminder that the goal of learning is not the process itself, but the attainment of truth.
TRV