οὐδέποτε (oudepote)
oudepote
never
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb oudepote carries the absolute force of "never," combining a negative particle with an indefinite term to create a sense of permanence. It appears fifteen times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, serving as a firm denial that something has ever occurred or will occur. The word is not merely a soft negation but a definitive statement of impossibility or past absence.
Its usage often highlights the uniqueness of a situation or person. For instance, Peter uses it to describe his complete unfamiliarity with unclean food in Acts 10:14 and 11:8, emphasizing that he had never encountered such a thing before. In Matthew 9:33, the crowds marvel that "nothing like this" had ever been seen in Israel, using oudepote to underscore the unprecedented nature of Jesus’ miracle.
The term also appears in questions, as in Mark 2:25, where Jesus asks if David and his companions ever did what is being discussed. This interrogative use reinforces the weight of the answer by framing it against a baseline of "never." Translators consistently render it as "never," capturing its uncompromising tone across contexts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oudepote carries a heavy weight of finality. It is not just a simple no; it is an absolute never. When Scripture uses this term, it shuts the door on doubt or possibility. We see this in Peter’s bold declaration that he would never stumble, even when others might fall. It reminds us that our commitments to Christ are meant to be steadfast and unshaking.
Yet this word also brings profound comfort. In 1 Corinthians 13, we read that love never fails. While gifts like prophecy or knowledge may cease, love remains permanent. This offers a stable anchor for your faith. You can trust that God’s love does not waver, even when circumstances shift around you.
Consider the officers in John 7:46 who admitted no one ever spoke like Jesus. That absolute uniqueness defines His authority. When you face uncertainty, remember that what is true of Christ and His love is permanent. You are held by something that has never failed and will never end.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- never9×
- Never3×
- surely sometime2×
- nothing ever1×
- Surely1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οὐδέποτε16×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 13:8
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with.
This verse establishes the permanence of divine love as an absolute contrast to temporary spiritual gifts.
-
Matthew 26:33
But Peter answered him, “Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble.”
Peter uses this term to express his personal resolve, highlighting human confidence in loyalty to Jesus.
-
John 7:46
The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this man!”
The officers use the word to emphasize the unique and unprecedented nature of Jesus' speech.
-
Acts 10:14
But Peter said, “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”
Peter applies this absolute negative to his past habits, showing a complete break from previous religious restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oudepote mean in the New Testament?
How is oudepote different from other Greek words for never?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 5 verses
Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’
Matthew 9:33When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen…
Matthew 21:16and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes. Did you never read, ‘Out of the mouth…
Matthew 21:42Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of…
Matthew 26:33But Peter answered him, “Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble.”