Bible Lexicons

μήπως (G T, or μή πῶς L Tr WH) (μή and πῶς), (from Homer down);

1. a conjunction, lest in any way, lest perchance;

a. in final sentences, with an aorist subjunctive, preceded by a present 1 Corinthians 9:27; preceded by an aorist, 2 Corinthians 2:7; 2 Corinthians 9:4.

b. after verbs of fearing, taking heed: with an aorist subjunctive — after βλέπειν, 1 Corinthians 8:9; after φοβεῖσθαι, Acts 27:29 R; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20; with a perfect indicative, to indicate that what is feared has actually taken place (Winer's Grammar, § 56, 2 b. α.; Buttmann, 242 (209)), Galatians 4:11; with an aorist subjunctive, the idea of fearing being suppressed, Romans 11:21 Rec. (Buttmann, § 148, 10; cf. Winer's Grammar, 474 (442)).

2. an interrogative particle, whether in any way, whether by any means: in an indirect question, with an indicative present (of a thing still continuing) and aorist (of a thing already done), Galatians 2:2 (I laid before them the gospel etc., namely, inquiring, whether haply etc.; Paul expects a negative answer, by which lie wished his teaching concerning Christ to be approved by the apostles at Jerusalem, yet by no means because he himself had any doubt about its soundness, but that his adversaries might not misuse the authority of those apostles in assailing tiffs teaching, and thereby frustrate his past and present endeavors; cf. Holmann at the passage (Buttmann, 353 (303). Others, however, take τρέχω as a subjunctive, and render lest haply I should be running etc.; see Winer's Grammar, 504f (470), cf. Ellicott at the passage)). with the indicative (of a thing perhaps already done, but which the writer wishes had not been done) and the aorist subjunctive (of a thing future and uncertain, which he desires God to avert) in one and the same sentence, 1 Thessalonians 3:5 (where μήπως depends on γνῶναι; cf. Schott, Lünemann (Ellicott), at the passage; (Buttmann, 353 (304); Winer's Grammar, 505 (470))).