### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **oudépote**, represented by `{{G3763}}`, is a strong adverb of negation meaning **never at all** or "not even at any time". It appears **17 times** across **15 unique verses**. The term is formed from the words οὐδέ (not even) and ποτέ (at any time), giving it an emphatic quality used to express an absolute denial or a condition that has held true throughout all preceding time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3763}}` is used to convey a sense of the unprecedented. When the multitudes witnessed a miraculous healing, they marveled, saying, "It was **never** so seen in Israel" ([[Matthew 9:33]]; [[Mark 2:12]]). Similarly, officers sent to arrest Jesus returned empty-handed, explaining, "**Never** man spake like this man" [[John 7:46]]. Jesus himself uses the term rhetorically to challenge the religious leaders, asking, "Did ye **never** read in the scriptures...?" [[Matthew 21:42]]. It is also used in strong personal declarations, such as Peter's adamant vow, "yet will I **never** be offended" [[Matthew 26:33]], and his refusal to eat unclean animals in a vision [[Acts 10:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
A related word that provides context for `{{G3763}}` is:
* `{{G3365}}` **mēdamōs**: This adverb, meaning **by no means** or "not so," is used to express a very strong refusal. It appears in direct conjunction with `{{G3763}}` in Peter's account of his vision. When commanded to eat unclean animals, Peter's response is, "**Not so** `{{G3365}}`, Lord; for I have **never** `{{G3763}}` eaten any thing that is common or unclean" [[Acts 10:14]]. This pairing demonstrates a vehement denial followed by a lifetime justification.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3763}}` is significant, as it is used to articulate absolute spiritual truths.
* **Insufficiency of the Old Covenant:** The author of Hebrews uses the term to argue that the animal sacrifices offered under the law "**can never take away sins**" [[Hebrews 10:11]] and can "**never**... make the comers thereunto perfect" [[Hebrews 10:1]]. This highlights the finality and superiority of Christ's sacrifice.
* **Permanence of Divine Love:** Paul uses `{{G3763}}` to describe an eternal quality of God in his discourse on love, stating that "Charity **never** faileth" [[1 Corinthians 13:8]]. This establishes love as an enduring and absolute constant.
* **Finality of Judgment:** Jesus uses the word to deliver a sobering and final verdict to false disciples, declaring, "I **never** knew you: depart from me" [[Matthew 7:23]]. Here, the word conveys an irrevocable and eternal separation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3763}}` is far more than a simple negation. It is a powerful adverb that establishes an absolute boundary in time. It is used to describe human experiences, from a lifelong disability [[Acts 14:8]] to the complaint of the elder son who felt he was "**never** given a kid" [[Luke 15:29]]. Theologically, it is crucial for contrasting the inefficacy of the law with the permanence of both God's love and His judgment, making it a key word for understanding concepts of finality in scripture.
TRV