μετέπειτα (metepeita)
metepeita
afterward
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb metepeiita simply means "afterwards" or "after that." It is a straightforward temporal marker used to sequence events in time. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Hebrews 12:17.
Its construction combines a preposition meaning "after" with another word for "later." This makes its meaning very clear and specific. The author of Hebrews uses it to describe Esau’s situation after he sought blessing. He found no opportunity for change, even though he begged with tears.
This single usage highlights the finality of certain moments. The word points to a time that has passed, where no further action can alter the outcome. It serves as a clear marker in the narrative, showing that the chance for repentance had closed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word metepeiita functions as a simple marker of time, translating to "afterward" or "after that." In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Hebrews 12:17. The author uses this specific term to describe Esau’s situation after he sought blessing. He found no opportunity for change, even though he begged with tears. This single usage highlights the finality of certain moments.
For your faith journey, this word serves as a sobering reminder about the timing of repentance and obedience. It points to a time that has passed, where no further action can alter the outcome. While God’s grace is always available, there are seasons where choices carry lasting weight. The text shows that seeking change too late may result in missing the moment for restoration.
Yet this does not mean we live in fear of missed opportunities. Instead, it encourages us to respond to God’s call while the door is open. We are invited to value the present moment as a gift from God, rather than assuming future chances will be just as accessible. This perspective helps us stay attentive to the Holy Spirit’s leading today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- afterward1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μετέπειτα1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 12:17
For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where the word marks the irreversible moment after Esau sought blessing too late.