G3364

Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, the phrase οὐ μή (ou mē) holds significant weight because of its emphatic nature in expressing strong negation. Understanding such phrases can deepen one’s comprehension of the New Testament’s theological assertions and cultural contexts. In both Greek culture and New Testament scripture, this phrase underscores an absolute and definitive negation. Used primarily in conjunction with the subjunctive or future indicative verb, it emphasizes that something will certainly not happen, reinforcing the certainty of the negation.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: οὐ μή (ou mē, pronounced oo may)

οὐ (ou, G3756) – the standard negation used for statements of fact.
μή (mē, G3361) – a negative particle often used with the subjunctive mood or to express prohibitions.

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Etymology:

οὐ is a negation generally used in indicative statements and denotes a direct “no.”
μή is also a negation, often used with subjunctive or imperative verbs to express a more subjective or potential negation. When combined, ou mē intensifies the negation, ensuring that something will never happen.

Part of Speech:

A combination of particles used to form a strong negative statement. The construction οὐ μή is typically used with verbs in the subjunctive or future tense, indicating an impossibility or something that will not occur under any circumstances.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1:
Absolutely not – When used in the New Testament, οὐ μή often communicates an emphatic denial, implying that an action will absolutely not occur. This is especially evident in promises or warnings where God or Jesus assures that certain outcomes will never come to pass.

Meaning 2:
No way, under any circumstance – οὐ μή highlights the impossibility of an action or event, stressing that there are no conditions under which the statement could be reversed.

Meaning 3:
Shall not – When combined with future tense verbs, οὐ μή can indicate that something is definitively determined not to happen, such as divine promises or judgments in prophetic declarations.

Exploring Similar Words

οὐδαμῶς (oudamōs, pronounced oo-da-mohs): Meaning “by no means,” this word also conveys strong negation but is less emphatic than οὐ μή. It often conveys negation with lesser intensity, used in dialogue or less formal contexts.

οὐκέτι (ouketi, pronounced oo-keh-tee): This word means “no longer” and implies a cessation of an action or state rather than an absolute denial of possibility as οὐ μή does.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Since οὐ μή is a combination of particles rather than a standalone verb or noun, it does not follow declension or conjugation patterns. However, it is most often found with verbs in the subjunctive or future indicative, signaling a strong emphasis on negation. The use of οὐ μή significantly changes the weight of negation in the sentence, underscoring its certainty.

For example, in John 10:28: “They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (οὐ μὴ [ou mē] in conjunction with perish emphasizes that it will absolutely not happen).

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Studying Lexicon Insights

According to the insights from various Greek lexicons, including BDAG and Thayer’s, οὐ μή is regarded as the strongest form of negation in the Greek New Testament. It conveys an unequivocal denial and is often used in contexts of divine promise or assurance, where God or Jesus makes a binding statement about future events or outcomes. This phrase was not common in classical Greek literature, as it was a stronger and more definitive form of negation that became more pronounced in Koine Greek, particularly in the New Testament writings. Theological implications show that when God or Christ uses οὐ μή, the statement being made is one of unshakable certainty.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means [οὐ μὴ] pass away.”
John 10:28: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish [οὐ μὴ perish], and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Hebrews 13:5: “I will never [οὐ μὴ] leave you, nor forsake you.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text with Greek Word
Aristotle	Ethics	“He shall not, οὐ μὴ, act unjustly under any circumstance.”
Plato	Republic	“There is no way, οὐ μὴ, he will succeed with this action.”
Philo	On the Decalogue	“God’s promises, οὐ μὴ, shall not be broken.”

Noteworthy Summary

οὐ μή stands as the strongest negation in the Greek New Testament, often used to affirm promises or emphasize that certain events or actions will never happen. By understanding the emphatic nature of this phrase, one gains insight into the unbreakable nature of divine assurances in scripture, as well as its function in expressing warnings or judgments. This phrase is significant in theology, especially regarding the certainty of God’s promises and the finality of divine decrees.

Did You Know?

οὐ μή is used around 85 times in the New Testament, making it a key phrase in conveying divine promises and assurances.
It is often found in statements made by Jesus, particularly when discussing eternal life or divine protection.
The construction is unique to Koine Greek, with no direct parallel in classical Greek literature for such a strong negation.