From mekos (length). Mechri is a preposition and conjunction meaning until, as far as, up to the point of. Used to mark temporal limits ('until death'), geographical extent ('as far as Rome'), or degree ('to the point of bloodshed').
The word mechri appears in some of the most sobering calls to radical discipleship in the NT. Hebrews 12:4 challenges believers: 'In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point (mechri) of shedding your blood.' The comparison is with Jesus, who endured the cross — the ultimate limit. Philippians 2:8 describes Christ's obedience as going all the way — 'mechri thanatou, death — even death on a cross.' The mechri of Calvary marks the absolute outer limit of obedient love. Romans 5:13 uses it temporally: 'Sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone's account where there is no law — mechri (until) the law was given.' The word sets boundaries in time, space, and endurance — and Christ crossed every one in His redemptive work.