G3383

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the Greek word μήτε (mēte) plays an important role in grasping the nuances of New Testament interpretation. Found in Matthew 5:34, μήτε is often used in the context of negation and conjunction, particularly in lists or sequences where more than one item is being denied or rejected. It has significant relevance in ancient Greek culture, where careful expression of thought, especially in legal and moral contexts, required precise language to convey prohibition or exclusion.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μήτε (mēte), pronounced may-teh.

Etymology: The word μήτε is a compound of the Greek negation particle μή (mē), which means “not,” and the conjunction τε (te), which can be translated as “and” or “also.” When combined, μήτε serves to negate two or more elements in a sentence, essentially meaning “neither” or “nor.”

Part of Speech: μήτε is a conjunction. Its function in Greek sentences is to link phrases or clauses in negative constructions, denying the truth or possibility of multiple elements. It often appears when two or more actions or conditions are being prohibited simultaneously.

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Defining Meanings

1. Neither / Nor: The primary meaning of μήτε is “neither” or “nor,” often used to deny two or more things. For instance, it could be found in contexts where multiple actions are forbidden: “neither do this nor that.” In Matthew 5:34, it is part of a prohibition against swearing, expressing rejection of various forms of oath-taking.
2. As an Exclusion: μήτε is also used as an exclusionary term, meaning it excludes all of the connected elements from being true or possible. It ensures the speaker or writer clearly negates multiple items or actions.

Exploring Similar Words

1. οὐδέ (oude) [pronunciation: oo-deh]: While both μήτε and οὐδέ are used for negation, οὐδέ is often used in simple negative clauses, meaning “nor” or “not even.” μήτε, on the other hand, implies negation in conjunction with other negative clauses.
2. καί (kai) [pronunciation: kai]: This is a basic conjunction meaning “and,” which contrasts with μήτε, which negates. While καί joins positive ideas, μήτε joins and negates them.
3. τε (te) [pronunciation: teh]: Often used as an “and” conjunction, τε is related to the second half of μήτε, which is used to form a negative construction.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a conjunction, μήτε does not have cases, numbers, or gender. It operates grammatically by linking phrases or clauses in the context of negation. It can stand alone or be part of a more complex sentence construction where it works in tandem with other negative particles to form prohibitive statements.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The usage of μήτε is well-documented across various lexicons, which uniformly agree on its function as a conjunction for multiple negations. Its theological and linguistic significance comes into play in biblical verses like Matthew 5:34, where Jesus prohibits swearing by heaven or earth, emphasizing absolute rejection of oaths by using μήτε. In classical Greek texts, its role in legal, philosophical, and rhetorical writings is also evident, as it provides clarity and precision in multi-clause negations.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:34 – “But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven (mēte) for it is the throne of God.”
2. Matthew 6:20 – “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither (mēte) moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
3. Luke 20:35 – “But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither (mēte) marry nor are given in marriage.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word μήτε (mēte) holds critical significance in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature. As a conjunction used to deny or negate multiple items, it plays a pivotal role in prohibitions or exclusions. In verses like Matthew 5:34, μήτε helps express the full weight of Jesus’ teaching against taking oaths, conveying both the breadth and depth of the prohibition. Its grammatical simplicity belies the depth of its theological applications, where it serves to emphasize absolute exclusion or rejection.

Did You Know?

• The use of μήτε in Greek is similar to the English “neither/nor” construction, but in Greek, it can negate entire clauses more fluidly.
• In the Septuagint, μήτε is frequently used in poetic literature like the Psalms to structure prohibitions and protections, often appearing in parallel constructions.
• In ancient Greek philosophical texts, μήτε was commonly used in arguments where multiple elements were being simultaneously negated, adding clarity and precision to ethical debates.