Lexical Summary médepote: Never Original Word: μηδέποτε Strong's Exhaustive Concordance never. From mede and pote; not even ever -- never. see GREEK mede see GREEK pote NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from méde and pote Definition never NASB Translation never (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3368: μηδέποτεμηδέποτε (μηδέ and πότε), adverb, never: 2 Timothy 3:7. Topical Lexicon Scope of the WordStrong’s Greek 3368 occurs once in the New Testament, in 2 Timothy 3:7. It is a negative adverb that categorically excludes any occurrence of the action it modifies. By using this particular term, Paul portrays an absolute impossibility rather than a mere improbability. Immediate Context in 2 Timothy The epistle’s third chapter lists characteristics of people who will dominate the “last days” (2 Timothy 3:1). Among them are those who are “always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). The adverb “never” (Strong’s 3368) underscores their spiritual dead-end. They accumulate information yet remain locked out of life-changing truth because they resist the transforming power of the gospel (2 Timothy 3:5). Historical Background Paul writes 2 Timothy from prison, fully expecting martyrdom (2 Timothy 4:6). He entrusts Timothy with safeguarding sound doctrine amid growing deception. In Greco-Roman culture, itinerant teachers often boasted of secret wisdom. Paul exposes such vanity: without submission to revealed truth, their ceaseless inquiry is futile. The severe negation conveyed by Strong’s 3368 fits Paul’s final, urgent tone. Theological Significance 1. Total inability outside divine illumination The adverb highlights the stark contrast between human effort and divine revelation. Intellectual pursuit alone cannot breach the chasm between fallen humanity and saving truth (John 3:3; 1 Corinthians 2:14). 2. Warning against hardened unbelief Persistent rejection of truth can become a settled condition, as elsewhere described: “you refuse to come to Me to have life” (John 5:40). Strong’s 3368 signals that a threshold may be crossed where repentance is no longer sought (Hebrews 6:6). 3. Assurance of Scripture’s sufficiency In the same chapter Paul affirms that “all Scripture is God-breathed” and “able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15-16). The stark “never” of verse 7 magnifies the positive sufficiency of the written Word to lead receptive hearts to certainty. Pastoral Applications • Discernment in teaching ministries Ministers must distinguish between genuine seekers and those who perpetually consume new ideas without surrendering to Christ. • Emphasis on repentance and obedience Bible study that stops short of life application risks producing the very condition Paul warns about. • Patient exhortation with realism Paul does not cease preaching because some will “never” arrive; rather, he intensifies Timothy’s charge to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2), trusting God to grant repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). Related Biblical Themes Matthew 7:21-23 – Profession without obedience results in the Lord’s declaration, “I never knew you.” Hebrews 3:7-19 – Repeated hardening may bar entry into God’s rest. Proverbs 1:22-33 – Spurning wisdom can lead to irreversible consequences. Reflection for Contemporary Ministry The solitary appearance of Strong’s 3368 in 2 Timothy places a flashing beacon over the peril of endless, truth-resisting inquiry. In an age saturated with information and spiritual options, the church must herald the exclusive, saving knowledge found in Jesus Christ. Those who continually postpone surrender risk becoming “never able” to embrace the truth. Faithful proclamation, prayerful dependence, and Spirit-empowered obedience remain the antidote. Forms and Transliterations μηδεποτε μηδέποτε medepote medépote mēdepote mēdépoteLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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