### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb μήπω (G3380) is a compound word formed from the negative particle μή (G3361) and the enclitic particle -πω, which signifies "yet" or "up to this point." Consequently, its primary and consistent meaning is "not yet." Unlike the absolute negation often conveyed by οὐ (G3756), the use of μή (G3361) in μήπω suggests a negation that is conditional, subjective, or anticipatory. It implies that something has not occurred *up to the present moment*, but there is an underlying expectation or possibility that it *will* occur in the future. The semantic range is therefore tightly focused on this temporal and anticipatory negation, indicating an unfulfilled state that is expected to change.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μήπω (G3380) appears a few times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its nuanced meaning:
* **[[John 20:17]]**: "Jesus said to her, 'Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God."'" Here, μήπω underscores a critical moment in salvation history. Jesus' ascension had not *yet* taken place, signifying a temporary state between His resurrection and His glorification at the Father's right hand. The implication is clear: the ascension was imminent and necessary, but it had not occurred at that precise moment.
* **[[1 Corinthians 3:2]]**: "I fed you with milk, not with solid food, for you were not yet ready for it, and even now you are still not ready." Paul uses μήπω to describe the spiritual immaturity of the Corinthian believers. They were not *yet* able to receive deeper theological truths, indicating a stage of spiritual development that required more basic nourishment. The "not yet" here points to a future state of readiness that the Corinthians were expected to attain through growth in faith.
* **[[Hebrews 2:8]]**: "You subjected everything under his feet." Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not *yet* see everything in subjection to him." This passage, quoting Psalm 8:6, applies the "not yet" to the eschatological reality of Christ's cosmic rule. While Christ has definitively conquered and is sovereign, the full, visible manifestation of all things being subjected to Him is "not yet" realized in the present age. This highlights the tension between the "already" of Christ's victory and the "not yet" of its complete consummation.
In each instance, μήπω points to a state that is temporary or incomplete, with an implicit expectation or certainty of future fulfillment or change.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding μήπω (G3380) is enhanced by considering related terms and concepts:
* **μή (G3361)**: The negative particle from which μήπω is derived. μή typically expresses a subjective, conditional, or volitional negation, often used in prohibitions or expressing doubt/anticipation, as opposed to the objective or factual negation of οὐ (G3756). This foundational meaning imbues μήπω with its nuance of "not yet, but possibly/expectedly later."
* **οὐπω (G3768)**: This compound adverb also means "not yet," but it is formed from οὐ (G3756), the absolute negative. While both convey a temporal lack, οὐπω tends to denote a factual or absolute "not yet," without necessarily carrying the same strong implication of a future change or expectation as μήπω. For example, in [[John 7:39]], "the Spirit was not yet given," uses οὐπω, stating a factual absence. The choice between μήπω and οὐπω often reflects the author's precise nuance regarding the nature of the "not yet."
* **Temporal Adverbs**: Words like νῦν (G3568, "now"), ἔτι (G2089, "still" or "yet"), and ἤδη (G2235, "already") provide the necessary temporal context for μήπω. The "not yet" is always understood in relation to a present moment or an anticipated future.
* **Concepts of Immaturity and Growth**: As seen in [[1 Corinthians 3:2]], μήπω relates to the concept of spiritual development, where believers are on a journey of sanctification and growth, not instantly perfected.
* **Eschatological Tension**: The "already-not yet" dynamic of the Kingdom of God is a crucial theological concept illuminated by μήπω in passages like [[Hebrews 2:8]]. Christ's reign is "already" inaugurated, but its full manifestation is "not yet."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μήπω (G3380) lies primarily in its articulation of the dynamic and unfolding nature of God's redemptive plan and the human experience within it.
1. **The "Already-Not Yet" of the Kingdom**: Perhaps the most profound theological contribution of μήπω is its role in expressing the eschatological tension inherent in Christian theology. The Kingdom of God has "already" been inaugurated through Christ's first coming, His death, and His resurrection. However, its full consummation and the complete realization of God's purposes are "not yet" fully manifested. [[Hebrews 2:8]] powerfully captures this tension, affirming Christ's ultimate sovereignty while acknowledging that His full subjection of all things is still future. This "not yet" fosters both hope and patience, reminding believers of the ultimate triumph of God while calling them to live faithfully in the interim.
2. **Divine Timing and Progressive Revelation**: The use of μήπω in [[John 20:17]] concerning Jesus' ascension highlights the precise and perfect timing of God's plan. Events unfold according to God's sovereign will, with each stage necessary for the next. It underscores that God's work is a process, not a static event, and reveals truth progressively.
3. **Spiritual Growth and Maturation**: In [[1 Corinthians 3:2]], μήπω speaks to the reality of spiritual immaturity and the necessity of growth in the life of a believer. It acknowledges that sanctification is a process, and individuals are on a journey toward greater understanding and conformity to Christ. This "not yet" encourages humility, perseverance, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for transformation.
4. **Hope and Anticipation**: The very nature of "not yet" implies an anticipation of future fulfillment. For the believer, this translates into a living hope for Christ's return, the full establishment of His Kingdom, and the ultimate redemption of all creation. It is a word that points forward, sustaining faith through present challenges by directing the gaze to God's promised future.
### Summary
μήπω (G3380) is a significant Greek adverb meaning "not yet," characterized by its nuanced implication of an expected or anticipated future occurrence. Derived from μή (G3361), it distinguishes itself from the more absolute negation of οὐπω (G3768) by suggesting a conditional or subjective "not yet," often indicating a temporary state before an imminent change. Its biblical occurrences, particularly in [[John 20:17]], [[1 Corinthians 3:2]], and [[Hebrews 2:8]], consistently highlight temporal incompleteness, spiritual immaturity, and the eschatological "already-not yet" tension of God's Kingdom. Theologically, μήπω underscores the progressive nature of God's redemptive plan, the necessity of spiritual growth, and the enduring hope that anticipates the full consummation of Christ's reign and God's promises. It is a word that reminds believers of the unfolding journey of faith and the ultimate, certain triumph that is "not yet" fully seen, but eagerly awaited.
TRV