Original Word: εἰ μήτι
Part of Speech: Conjunction
Transliteration: ei méti
Pronunciation: ay MAY-tee
Phonetic Spelling: (i may tee)
Definition: unless, except
Meaning: if not somewhat

except.

From ei me and the neuter of tis; if not somewhat -- except.

see GREEK ei me

see GREEK tis

Word Origin
from ei and méti
Definition
if not somewhat
NASB Translation
except (1).

Word Origin: This phrase is a combination of two Greek words: εἰ (ei), a conditional particle often translated as "if," and μήτι (míti), a particle that adds emphasis to a negative condition.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct equivalent of εἰ μήτι in the Hebrew language, as it is a Greek construction. However, similar conditional and exception expressions can be found in Hebrew, such as אִם לֹא (im lo), which can also mean "unless" or "except." These expressions serve a similar function in Hebrew texts, providing conditions or exceptions to statements.

Usage: The phrase εἰ μήτι appears in the New Testament to introduce a condition that qualifies or limits a preceding statement. It is used to denote exceptions or to clarify that a statement holds true only under certain conditions.

Context: The phrase εἰ μήτι is a conditional expression found in the Greek New Testament, used to introduce exceptions or specific conditions that alter the generality of a preceding statement. It is a compound of the conditional particle εἰ and the emphatic negative μήτι, which together serve to highlight a particular condition that must be met for the preceding statement to be true.

In the Berean Standard Bible, εἰ μήτι is translated in contexts where an exception is being made to a general rule or statement. For example, in 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul uses this phrase to challenge the Corinthians to examine themselves: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" Here, εἰ μήτι introduces the exception to the assurance of Christ's presence, contingent upon passing the test of faith.

The use of εἰ μήτι is significant in theological discussions, as it often introduces conditions that are crucial for understanding the scope and application of biblical teachings. It underscores the importance of context and the specific conditions under which biblical truths are applied.

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