### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mḗpō**, represented by `{{G3380}}`, means **not yet**. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used to define a state or time before a specific event has occurred, indicating that something has not come to pass at a particular point in the narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3380}}` is used to establish critical theological timing. In Romans, it is used to clarify that God's purpose of election stands apart from human action, as the choice was made when the children were **not yet** born{G1080} and had done neither good nor evil [[Romans 9:11]]. In Hebrews, the Holy Ghost signifies that the way into the holiest of all was **not yet** made manifest{G5319}, pointing to a period of limited access while the first tabernacle was still standing [[Hebrews 9:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which something has "not yet" occurred:
* `{{G1080}}` **gennáō** (to procreate): This word for being born is central to the statement in Romans, where God's purpose is established before the children were **born** [[Romans 9:11]]. It is also used in a spiritual sense, to be **born** of God [[1 John 5:4]].
* `{{G1589}}` **eklogḗ** ((divine) selection): This is the reason for the timing in [[Romans 9:11]]. The children were **not yet** born so that God's purpose according to **election** might stand, not based on works. This divine choice is also described as a "remnant according to the **election** of grace" [[Romans 11:5]].
* `{{G5319}}` **phaneróō** (to render apparent): This word describes what had **not yet** happened in [[Hebrews 9:8]]. The way was not **made manifest**. The same word is used to describe how God's love was **manifested** through His Son [[1 John 4:9]] and how believers will one day **appear** before the judgment seat of Christ [[2 Corinthians 5:10]].
* `{{G2089}}` **éti** ("yet," still): This word is used in [[Hebrews 9:8]] to describe the condition under which the way was not yet manifest, specifically while the first tabernacle was **yet** standing. It often denotes a continuing state, such as when Christ died for us while we were **yet** sinners [[Romans 5:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3380}}` lies in its ability to delineate God's timing and sovereign purpose.
* **Sovereignty in Election:** The phrase "**not yet** born" is fundamental to the doctrine of election. It establishes that God's choice is independent of human works{G2041}, whether good{G18} or evil{G2556}, because it was made before any actions could be performed, highlighting the role of "him that calleth{G2564}" [[Romans 9:11]].
* **Unfolding Redemptive History:** The declaration that the way was "**not yet** made manifest{G5319}" illustrates the nature of the old covenant. The Holy{G40} Ghost{G4151} used the temporary structure of the tabernacle to signify that full access to God was part of a future promise, not a present reality under that system [[Hebrews 9:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3380}}` functions as a crucial marker of divine timing. It is more than a simple negation; it defines a period of anticipation before the fulfillment of God's purpose. Whether establishing the basis for sovereign election before birth [[Romans 9:11]] or the veiled nature of the old covenant before the new one was fully revealed [[Hebrews 9:8]], **mḗpō** emphasizes that God's plan unfolds according to His predetermined schedule.
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