UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to be about to

Semantic entry: 67.62

Semantic domains: Time

Subdomains: A Point of Time with Reference to Other Points of Time: Before, Long Ago, Now, At the Same Time, When, About, After

Definition: to occur at a point of time in the future which is subsequent to another event and closely related to it

Sense 2: must be, has to be

Semantic entry: 71.36

Semantic domains: Mode

Subdomains: Necessary, Unnecessary

Definition: to be inevitable, with respect to future developments

Notes: In a number of languages there is a problem involved in speaking of what is necessary or inevitable in the future, for a distinction is made between that which is purely impersonal or physical and that which is the result of some person’s purpose, intent, or activity. As in the case of δεῖ in RV MRK 13:7 · LV MRK 13:7 · Read together MRK 13:7 (71.34: δεῖ), it is impossible in the case of μέλλω in RV MAT 17:12 · LV MAT 17:12 · Read together MAT 17:12 to determine whether the reference is merely to an inevitable future event (‘bound to happen’) or whether this is part of the plan and purpose of God. In order to avoid a wrong interpretation of RV MAT 17:12 · LV MAT 17:12 · Read together MAT 17:12, it may therefore be useful to translate as ‘in the same way the Son of Man will most certainly be mistreated by them.’

Sense 3: to wait, to delay

Semantic entry: 67.121

Semantic domains: Time

Subdomains: Duration of Time with Reference to Some Point of Time: Until, Delay, Still, From

Definition: to extend time unduly, with the implication of lack of decision

Sense 4: the future

Semantic entry: 67.135

Semantic domains: Time

Subdomains: Duration of Time with Reference to Some Point of Time: Until, Delay, Still, From

Definition: unlimited extent of time beginning with the time of the discourse

Collocations: τὸ μέλλον