The Greek particle dēpote is a compound of dē (an emphatic particle) and pote (ever, at some time). It functions as an emphatic or indefinite temporal particle meaning 'at some time,' 'ever,' or 'once.' Its only New Testament occurrence is in John 5:4, in the description of the pool of Bethesda, where it notes that 'whoever stepped in first after the water was stirred' was healed — emphasizing the indefinite, unpredictable timing.
Though a minor particle, dēpote appears in one of Scripture's most poignant healing accounts. The man at Bethesda had been ill for thirty-eight years — and had never (oudepote) been able to step in at the right moment. His helplessness captures the human condition: we need someone to help us at precisely the right time. Jesus, the one who heals without requiring us to be first or fastest, speaks healing directly. The gospel is the answer to our collective 'I have no one to help me' — Jesus himself stoops down to be our helper.