Brief Overview of μεταξύ (Strong’s G3342: metaxy)

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, the careful examination of Greek words is essential for understanding the nuances of the New Testament text. The Greek word μεταξύ (metaxy), which first appears in Matthew 18:15, is significant because it refers to the concept of something occurring “between” or “in the midst.” In the verse, Jesus advises addressing conflicts “between” individuals in a private and respectful manner. The word also appears in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to denote spatial, temporal, or relational intervals. Understanding μεταξύ enhances our grasp of the cultural and social contexts of the New Testament, where interpersonal relationships and the resolution of disputes were essential aspects of community life.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μεταξύ (metaxy, pronunciation: meh-tah-KSEE)

Etymology: μεταξύ is derived from the Greek preposition “μετα-” (meta-), meaning “with” or “after,” and possibly influenced by “ξύν” (xyn), meaning “together.” The compound nature of this word implies a relationship or connection between two or more entities, whether spatially, temporally, or conceptually.

Part of Speech: μεταξύ is an adverb and sometimes functions as a preposition. It is used to describe an interval or space between two points, individuals, or events. Its grammatical role depends on the sentence context, where it can indicate physical proximity or a metaphorical relationship.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Between. This is the most straightforward and common meaning of μεταξύ, where it refers to a position or relationship between two people or things, as seen in Matthew 18:15.

Meaning 2: In the midst of. In some contexts, μεταξύ can imply being surrounded by or placed in the middle of something, giving it a more spatial connotation.

Meaning 3: During or in the interval of. μεταξύ can also refer to a period of time between two events, highlighting its temporal usage in ancient Greek texts.

Exploring Similar Words

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ἀνάμεσον (anameson, pronounced ah-NAH-meh-sohn): This word also means “between” or “in the midst of,” but it is often used to emphasize a physical location between two objects or individuals, whereas μεταξύ can extend to temporal or abstract relationships.

μέσος (mesos, pronounced MEH-sos): Meaning “middle” or “center,” this word focuses on the position of being in the center of something. While μεταξύ emphasizes the space or relationship between things, μέσος indicates a central location.

μεταχώριον (metachōrion, pronounced meh-tah-KHOH-ree-on): This preposition means “from a place in between” and is more specific to physical geography, unlike μεταξύ, which can refer to both spatial and temporal relationships.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: As an adverb and preposition, μεταξύ does not carry verbal features such as tense, voice, or mood. Instead, it functions to describe relationships or intervals, both spatial and temporal.

Case, Number, Gender: When used as a preposition, μεταξύ typically governs the genitive case, indicating relationships between individuals or things. It can apply to singular or plural subjects without any inherent gender restrictions.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word μεταξύ is relatively straightforward in its usage but carries rich implications in both New Testament and classical Greek contexts. It is used in Matthew 18:15 to describe a private conversation “between” two individuals, emphasizing personal resolution of conflict before involving others. Classical Greek literature frequently used μεταξύ to describe spatial relationships, such as standing between two armies or being caught in the middle of an argument. In the Septuagint, it is used to describe both spatial and temporal intervals, illustrating its versatility in different contexts. μεταξύ highlights the importance of relationships, whether physical or interpersonal, making it a crucial word for understanding communal dynamics in the New Testament.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Matthew 18:15: “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between [μεταξύ] you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
• Luke 16:26: “And besides all this, between [μεταξύ] us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.”
• Acts 12:6: “And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between [μεταξύ] two soldiers.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μεταξύ, meaning “between” or “in the midst,” plays an important role in conveying relational, spatial, and temporal dynamics in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature. Its use in Matthew 18:15 underscores the importance of resolving disputes privately between individuals, while in other contexts, such as Luke 16:26 and Acts 12:6, it describes physical barriers or positions. Classical and Septuagint usages further highlight its versatility, as it can describe not only spatial relationships but also time intervals. μεταξύ is a key term for understanding both the practical and metaphorical “in-betweens” in biblical narratives, making it a word of rich significance in theological and historical studies.

Did You Know?

• μεταξύ is closely related to the English word “between,” though it can refer to both physical and temporal intervals, broadening its application in both classical and biblical contexts.
• In the Septuagint, μεταξύ is often used to describe physical separations, such as the barrier between the waters in Genesis 1:6, emphasizing divine acts of creation and order.
• μεταξύ appears only a handful of times in the New Testament, but each instance involves critical moments of separation, boundary, or resolution, highlighting its significance in key narratives.