The Greek word mēdépō, represented by G3369, is an adverb meaning not even yet or not yet. It appears 2 times across 1 unique verse in the Bible, where it serves to emphasize a state of events that have not yet come to pass. Its specific function is to describe things that are future and currently unseen.
The sole context for G3369 is found in the narrative of Noah. In Hebrews 11:7, Noah is commended for his faith because he responded to a divine warning from God about "things not seen as yet". The use of G3369 here is critical, as it establishes that the coming flood was a reality that existed only in God's declaration, not in any observable evidence. Noah's preparation of the ark was an act of obedience based on things that had not yet occurred.
Several related words in its context illuminate the meaning of acting on something that is "not yet":
- G991 blépō (to look at): This word for sight is used in the negative to describe the things Noah was warned about. The events were not yet able to be seen, establishing a direct contrast with the certainty of faith Hebrews 11:7.
- G5537 chrēmatízō (divinely intimate): This indicates the source of Noah's knowledge. He was "warned of God" about the future, showing that information about things "not yet" seen came through divine revelation Hebrews 11:7.
- G4102 pístis (faith): This is the mechanism by which Noah responded. His belief and "moral conviction" were directed toward a future that was "not yet," which aligns with the definition of faith as "the evidence of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1.
- G2680 kataskeuázō (to prepare thoroughly): This is the action resulting from faith in the "not yet." Noah did not just believe; he was "moved with fear" and took action to "prepare" an ark for the "saving" of his house Hebrews 11:7.
The theological weight of G3369 is tied directly to the nature of faith.
- Faith in the Unseen: The word underscores a fundamental principle of faith: acting upon God's word concerning realities that are not yet visible. The account of Noah in Hebrews 11:7 serves as a primary example of the principle laid out in Hebrews 11:1, where faith is described as the evidence of things "not seen."
- The Basis for Divine Warning: The concept of "not yet" is central to divine warnings. God reveals future events that have not yet materialized, calling for a response in the present. Noah's faith-driven action to build the ark is the model response to a warning about a future judgment Hebrews 11:7.
- Action Preceding Evidence: By highlighting that the events were "not yet" seen, the text emphasizes that Noah's obedience preceded any physical proof. His action was based solely on the word he received from God, leading to the "saving of his house" Hebrews 11:7.
In summary, G3369 mēdépō, though rare, plays a pivotal role in its scriptural context. It defines the unseen future that becomes the object of faith. It links divine revelation about what is "not yet" with the human response of obedient action. The word perfectly illustrates how biblical faith operates in the tension between a divine promise or warning and its future, unseen fulfillment, thereby resulting in salvation.
TRV