μέλλω

The Greek verb *mellō* has a broad semantic range, often conveying a sense of immediacy or certainty regarding a future action or event. It can indicate a simple intention or purpose, as when someone "means" to do something. More significantly, it frequently denotes something that is "about to happen" or "is destined to occur," carrying implications of divine will or an unavoidable outcome. This can range from an event that is imminent and at the point of happening, to something that is certainly in the future, even if not immediate.

In theological contexts, *mellō* often highlights God's providential control over future events and the certainty of His promised actions. It appears in prophecies of Christ's sufferings and glory, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the establishment of the kingdom, and eschatological events. The use of *mellō* can underscore the reliability of God's word and the definiteness of His plans, providing assurance of future hope or warning of future judgment. It removes ambiguity about the future, presenting it as a fixed reality rather than a mere possibility.

While *mellō* predominantly points to the future, it can also describe situations where something "should" or "ought" to happen according to a plan or a necessity, even if it has not yet occurred. The nuance often depends on the surrounding context, indicating either a near future, a certain future ordained by God, or a logical next step. It is distinct from verbs that merely express a simple future tense, as *mellō* adds the idea of definite intention, necessity, or impending reality to the future action.