that the tempter might really have tempted you

πώς enclitic particle (Hom. et al.)

① as adv.: marker of undesignated means or manner, somehow, in some way, perhaps ἐάν πως (cp. SIG 364, 24 [III B.C.]; 3 Km 18:5) ISm 4:1. W. a neg. (Il. 2, 203; 4, 158 al.; Hdt. 1, 33; Schwyzer II 580) οὐδʼ ἄν πως οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἐσώθησαν humans could in no way have been saved B 5:10 v.l.—In combination w. εἰ s. εἰ 6n (also Jos., Bell. 6, 422, Ant. 2, 159; M-M s.v. πως).

② as conj.: in the form μή πως (or μήπως; since Hom., also pap, Sir 28:26; TestSol 6:14 D; TestAbr B 2 p. 106, 8 [Stone p. 60, 8]; TestJob 15:9; TestZeb 4:2; ParJer 5:5) marker of a negative perspective expressing misgiving, frequently rendered lest.

ⓐ in clauses that in effect qualify as purpose clauses so that … (perhaps) not, lest somehow w. aor. subj. 1 Cor 9:27; 2 Cor 2:7; 9:4. GJs 7:1; 8:2.

ⓑ in object clauses, after verbs of apprehension that perhaps, lest somehow w. aor. subj. after φοβεῖσθαι (Test. Zeb. 4:2; ParJer 5:5) Ac 27:29 v.l.; 2 Cor 11:3; 12:20a; cp. vs. 20b, where the verb (γένωνται) is to be supplied. W. ind. GJs 14:1; fut. 9:2 end. After βλέπετε take care that … not somehow 1 Cor 8:9 (cp. Sir 28:26). Referring to someth. that has already taken place, w. perf. ind. Gal 4:11 (B-D-F §370, 1; Rob. 995; 1169). Elliptically μ. οὐδὲ σοῦ φείσεται (it is to be feared) that perhaps he will not spare you, either Ro 11:21. μ. ἐπείρασεν ὑμᾶς ὁ πειράζων καὶ εἰς κενὸν γένηται ὁ κόπος ἡμῶν (in the fear) that the tempter might really have tempted you (ind., as Gal 4:11 above), and then our work might have been in vain 1 Th 3:5. μήπως τοῦτο πανοῦργος ἔδωκέν σοι lest some mischief-maker has given it to you GJs 2:3. μ. περίγελος become a laughing-stock 9:2.

ⓒ in introduction to an indirect question (cp. TestJob 15:9) (lest) perhaps μ. εἰς κενὸν τρέχω ἢ ἔδραμον (fearing) that perhaps I may be running or had run in vain Gal 2:2.—DELG s.v. πο-. M-M.