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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TRV