οὐδέπω (oudepō)
oudepō
not yet
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb oudepo means "not yet" or "never before." It combines a negative with an indication of time, marking a state that is currently true but expected to change. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, appearing in Luke’s Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles.
Its usage often highlights a specific moment of anticipation or incomplete fulfillment. For instance, John notes that the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus was not yet glorified (John 7:39). Similarly, the disciples did not understand the resurrection scripture until after the event occurred (John 20:9). In Acts, it describes believers who had only received baptism in John’s name and had not yet heard of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:16).
This term serves as a literary marker for transition. It signals that the narrative is moving from preparation to fulfillment. By using oudepo, the biblical authors draw attention to the gap between promise and its realization, emphasizing that certain divine actions were still pending at those specific points in history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oudepo, meaning 'not yet,' captures a quiet tension in Scripture. It marks moments where God’s promises are real but not fully visible. In John 7:39, the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus was not yet glorified. This reminds us that divine timing often feels slow to us, even when it is perfect for God.
When we face seasons of waiting, this word offers comfort. The disciples in John 20:9 did not yet understand the resurrection until after it happened. Their confusion was part of a larger story unfolding. Similarly, in Acts 8:16, believers had only received John’s baptism and had not yet heard of the Holy Spirit. These gaps between promise and fulfillment are not failures but preparations.
God uses these 'not yet' moments to draw us closer. They invite patience and trust, reminding us that what is hidden now will be revealed in due time. This word encourages us to rest in the certainty that God’s plans are moving forward, even when we cannot see the full picture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- not yet3×
- Not yet1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οὐδέπω4×
Key Verses
-
John 7:39
But he said this about the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus wasn’t yet glorified.
This verse highlights the temporal gap between Jesus' earthly ministry and the giving of the Spirit, emphasizing that fulfillment depends on His glorification.
-
John 20:9
For as yet they didn’t know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
Here, the disciples’ lack of understanding about the resurrection is framed as a temporary state, showing how post-resurrection clarity transforms their faith.
-
Acts 8:16
for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus.
The phrase marks an incomplete spiritual experience, distinguishing between initial baptism and the fuller reception of the Holy Spirit in early Christian practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oudepo mean in the New Testament?
How is oudepo different from other Greek words for 'not'?
Where does oudepo appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
John 3 verses
But he said this about the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given,…
John 19:41Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb in which no man had ever yet…
John 20:9For as yet they didn’t know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead.