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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding key Greek words like μόνον (monon) can provide rich insights into the text’s meaning and the cultural context in which it was written. Monon is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of exclusivity or limitation, often translated as “only” or “alone.” This term occurs frequently in both the New Testament and classical Greek, and its study helps us grasp the emphasis on specific actions, individuals, or commands. In Matthew 5:47, for instance, Jesus challenges His listeners by asking if they greet only their friends, underscoring the call to a higher standard of love.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μόνον (monon), pronounced MO-non

Etymology: Derived from the root μόνος (mónos), meaning “alone” or “only.” This root word highlights singularity, which μόνον intensifies, pointing to something done exclusively or solely.

Part of Speech: Adverb (used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs by indicating exclusivity or singularity).

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Defining Meanings

1. Only/Alone: The primary meaning of μόνον is “only” or “alone,” emphasizing that something is singular or exclusive in its action or state. In Matthew 5:47, it is used to ask if someone is greeting only their brothers, highlighting the narrowness of such an action.

2. Solely/Exclusively: Another shade of meaning is “solely” or “exclusively,” which can be seen in its use to emphasize actions done without broader consideration. It often signals that the focus is limited to one thing or person, without extending beyond that boundary.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μόνος (monos) [pronunciation: MO-nos]: This is the root word from which monon derives, meaning “alone” or “solitary.” While monon functions as an adverb, monos is typically used as an adjective or noun to describe a person or thing that is solitary or unique.

2. ἀποκλειστικῶς (apokleistikós) [pronunciation: a-po-klees-ti-KOS]: This word means “exclusively” or “restricted to,” sharing a similar sense with monon in emphasizing limitation, but it carries a more formal or institutional connotation of exclusivity.

3. ἕνας (henas) [pronunciation: HEN-as]: Meaning “one” or “single,” this word emphasizes singularity but lacks the exclusive focus of monon, which stresses that something is the only thing involved in an action.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, μόνον does not decline according to case, gender, or number like nouns and adjectives. However, its function as an adverb modifies verbs and provides emphasis in various grammatical contexts. It does not follow the typical declension patterns but instead remains constant in form across different sentences. The adverb’s role is to intensify or limit the scope of an action.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

According to the BDAG and other lexicons, μόνον consistently carries the sense of singularity and exclusivity. In classical contexts, it is used to stress the limitation of an action or subject, such as when a person performs an action solely or exclusively without any other involvement. In the New Testament, μόνον often emphasizes the insufficiency of narrow actions, such as in Matthew 5:47, where Jesus encourages a broader expression of love and hospitality. Theologically, μόνον has been used to underline God’s exclusivity (e.g., God alone) or a singular focus on faith.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:47 – “And if you greet only [μόνον] your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?”

2. Romans 4:16 – “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only [μόνον] to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham.”

3. John 17:20 – “I do not ask for these only [μόνον], but also for those who will believe in me through their word.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Plato Republic “He alone [μόνον] understands the truth.”

Herodotus Histories “They fought, but only [μόνον] with small forces.”

Septuagint Exodus 12:46 “In one house only [μόνον] shall it be eaten.”

Noteworthy Summary

μόνον (monon) is a versatile adverb that plays a significant role in both biblical and classical Greek texts. Its primary function is to limit actions, behaviors, or conditions to a single element, emphasizing exclusivity. Whether describing narrow social behaviors or stressing faith’s singular focus, μόνον offers a key to understanding the limitation or focus in various contexts. This word is essential for interpreting passages where boundaries and exclusivity are significant theological or moral concepts.

Did You Know?

1. The word μόνον is used 66 times in the New Testament, often to emphasize specific actions or behaviors that are deemed insufficient on their own.

2. In classical Greek, μόνον is frequently used in political and philosophical contexts to express singular focus or exclusive truth.

3. The root word μόνος, from which μόνον derives, is the basis for modern English words like “monologue” (a speech by one person) and “monopoly” (exclusive control).