Lexical Summary hina mé: "lest," "so that not," "in order that not" Original Word: ἵνα μή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance albeit not, lest, thatI.e. hina and me; in order (or so) that not -- albeit not, lest, that, no(-t, (-thing)). see GREEK me see GREEK hina NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsee hina and mé. Topical Lexicon Purpose and Function of ἵνα μή ἵνα μή unites the purpose particle ἵνα (“in order that” / “so that”) with the negative μή (“not”), forming a concise construction that expresses intentional avoidance: “in order that not,” “so that … will not,” or “lest.” While Strong’s numbering assigns it a separate entry (3363), modern databases list no distinct occurrences under that number because the phrase is parsed word-by-word rather than as a single lexical item. Nevertheless, the combination permeates the Greek New Testament and anchors many of its purpose clauses. Syntactic Placement and Force 1. Introduces a purpose clause governed by a main verb, explaining why an action is taken to prevent an undesired result (Matthew 5:29; Acts 27:42–43). Because μή negates the verbal idea within the clause, ἵνα μή differs from οὐ in that it anticipates a future possibility and shows the speaker’s intention to forestall it. Theological Weight in Salvation Passages Key Gospel texts employ ἵνα μή to guard the blessings offered in Christ: These verses underscore divine purpose: God acts decisively so that the redeemed will not encounter the ruin otherwise inevitable. Role in Ethical Exhortations and Warnings The phrase often marks pastoral cautions that translate truth into practice. Here, ἵνα μή calls believers to moral vigilance, linking obedience with the prevention of spiritual loss or dishonor. Echoes of the Old Testament Concept of “Lest” Greek translators of the Septuagint regularly rendered Hebrew פֶּן (pen, “lest”) with ἵνα μή, threading continuity between the covenants. Deuteronomy 4:19; Proverbs 5:9; Isaiah 6:10 all show the same dynamic: God warns His people and provides instruction “lest” judgment fall. New Testament writers inherit this idiom, reinforcing the unity of biblical revelation. Historical Usage in Greek Translation and Early Church Interpretation Early patristic writings (e.g., Irenaeus, Origen) quote New Testament ἵνα μή clauses to articulate doctrines of perseverance and moral responsibility. In Greek exegesis, commentators observed that ἵνα μή frames both divine sovereignty (God purposes that something not happen) and human duty (believers strive so that something not happen), refusing any conflict between the two. Implications for Preaching, Teaching, and Discipleship 1. Underscores purposeful obedience: believers act not merely to obey commands but to avert spiritual harm (Hebrews 12:3). Conclusion Although Strong’s 3363 registers no stand-alone lexical entries, ἵνα μή remains a vital grammatical tool by which Scripture conveys purposeful negation. Woven through redemptive declarations, ethical exhortations, and pastoral warnings, the construction testifies to a God who not only accomplishes His saving will but also equips His people to walk wisely, “so that [they] will not” forfeit the blessings secured in Christ. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance μετριοπαθεῖν — 1 Occ.μετρίως — 1 Occ. μέτρῳ — 4 Occ. μέτρον — 8 Occ. μέτρου — 2 Occ. μετώπων — 4 Occ. μέτωπον — 3 Occ. μετώπου — 1 Occ. μέχρι — 15 Occ. μέχρις — 3 Occ. Μηδαμῶς — 2 Occ. μηδ' — 1 Occ. μηδὲ — 56 Occ. μηδεὶς — 15 Occ. μηδεμίαν — 7 Occ. Μηδὲν — 35 Occ. Μηδένα — 9 Occ. μηδενὶ — 21 Occ. μηδενὸς — 3 Occ. μηθὲν — 1 Occ. |
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