μέχρι (mechri)
mechri
until
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word mechri functions primarily as a preposition meaning "until" or "as far as," marking the boundary of time, space, or extent. It appears eighteen times in the New Testament, with significant usage in Hebrews and Romans. When indicating place, it defines a physical limit, such as Paul’s ministry reaching from Jerusalem to Illyricum (Romans 15:19). In temporal contexts, it marks the duration of an event or state, as seen when Jesus notes that John the Baptist prophesied until his own arrival (Luke 16:16).
Beyond simple time and location, mechri also expresses degree or measure. It can describe intensity, such as enduring hardship "to the point of shedding blood" in Hebrews 12:4. The term sometimes appears as a conjunction meaning "as long as," emphasizing continuity up to a specific turning point. Its etymological root connects it to the idea of reaching an endpoint, providing a clear structural marker for how far a condition or action extends.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mechri marks a boundary, whether in time or effort. It tells us how far something goes before reaching its end. In your life, this concept brings comfort. God’s promises do not vanish; they hold firm until their fulfillment arrives. When you face long seasons of waiting, remember that the timeline belongs to Him.
Consider the depth of Christ’s love in Philippians 2:8. He humbled Himself, obeying even to the point of death. This shows us that God’s work often requires persistence through hardship. Your struggles are not meaningless; they have a limit and a purpose. You are held by a faithfulness that extends to the very end.
When anxiety rises about the future, look to Hebrews 3:14. We remain partakers of Christ if we hold our hope firm to the end. This is an invitation to steady endurance. The path may feel long, but the destination is secure. Trust that God’s grace covers every step until you reach Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- until12×
- unto5×
- even to1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μέχρι15×
- μέχρις3×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 2:8
And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross.
This verse uses the word to describe the extreme depth of Christ's obedience, showing it marks the limit of His humility.
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Hebrews 3:14
For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence firm to the end,
Here the term defines the necessary duration for believers to maintain their hope in order to share in Christ.
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Romans 15:19
in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ;
Paul uses this preposition to mark the geographical extent of his ministry, showing it reaches as far as Illyricum.