G3765
Unveiling the Word
The Greek word οὐκέτι (oukéti) translates to “no longer” or “not anymore,” conveying a sense of cessation or the end of a state or action. It emphasizes that something that was once true or valid has changed. The term is significant in both philosophical and theological discussions, particularly within the New Testament, where it often denotes a transition from one state to another, such as the end of an old covenant or the cessation of sin. Its composition involves the negation οὐ (ou) meaning “not,” combined with κέτι (kéti), which refers to time, meaning “any longer” or “any more.” This combination of elements underscores the finality and definitiveness of the change being expressed.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: οὐκέτι (oukéti) [oo-ket-ee]
Etymology: The term is derived from the negation οὐ (ou), meaning “not,” and κέτι (kéti), which means “any longer” or “still.” This fusion indicates a transition from a previous state to a new one.
Join the coffee club to enjoy an ad-free experience and add your voice to this discussion.
Part of Speech: Adverb.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Defining Meanings
The primary meanings of οὐκέτι include:
No longer: This is the principal meaning, indicating that something that was once true or valid is no longer the case.
Not anymore: Similar to “no longer,” this phrase emphasizes the cessation of a particular condition or action.
Indicating a change: The word often marks a significant transition in circumstances, especially in spiritual or theological contexts, such as the transition from the old covenant to the new in Christianity.
Exploring Similar Words
οὐ (ou) (ou) [oo]: This is a basic negation meaning “not.” Unlike οὐκέτι, it does not imply any temporal aspect or cessation of a state.
κἂν (kan) (kan) [kan]: Meaning “even if” or “though,” this word conveys conditions rather than negations related to time, contrasting with the definitive cessation implied by οὐκέτι.
πότε (pote) (pote) [poh-teh]: Meaning “ever” or “at any time,” this word focuses on the occurrence of events rather than the negation of their continuation, differing from the finality expressed by οὐκέτι.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
For Adverbs:
The morphological structure of οὐκέτι is straightforward as it functions consistently as an adverb. It does not change form based on case, number, or gender, maintaining its role in expressing negation related to time.
Studying Lexicon Insights
Insights from various Greek lexicons illustrate that οὐκέτι is a crucial adverb in biblical texts, particularly in the context of New Testament teachings. It signifies the cessation of certain behaviors or states, which is vital for understanding the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant of grace in Christianity. The use of οὐκέτι reflects deep theological implications regarding the nature of salvation and the transformative power of Christ. Its appearances throughout the New Testament highlight moments of significant change, emphasizing the believer’s new identity in Christ and the abandonment of former ways.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
Matthew 19:6: “So they are no longer [οὐκέτι] two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Romans 6:14: “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. [οὐκέτι]”
Hebrews 10:18: “Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer [οὐκέτι] any offering for sin.”
Analyzing Classical Usage
In classical Greek literature, οὐκέτι appears in various contexts emphasizing cessation or the end of a state.
Example 1: Plato, Phaedo: “In the realm of forms, we find that the physical does not endure, and thus, the body is no longer [οὐκέτι] able to grasp the true essence.”
Example 2: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “The pursuit of virtue leads one to a state where vice is no longer [οὐκέτι] an option.”
Example 3: Sophocles, Oedipus Rex: “When the truth is revealed, the facade is no longer [οὐκέτι] tenable.”
Septuagint Example 1: Isaiah 38:12: “My dwelling is plucked up and removed from me like a shepherd’s tent; I have rolled up my life like a weaver; he cuts me off from the loom; from day even to night, wilt thou make an end of me? [οὐκέτι]”
Septuagint Example 2: Jeremiah 31:34: “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord:’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. [οὐκέτι]”
Septuagint Example 3: Psalms 77:8: “Is his mercy clean gone forever? Doth his promise fail for evermore? [οὐκέτι]”
Noteworthy Summary
The Greek word οὐκέτι serves as a powerful marker of transition, indicating the cessation of a previous state or action. It emphasizes the finality of changes in both spiritual and philosophical contexts, particularly within the framework of the New Testament and its teachings on salvation and identity in Christ.
Did You Know?
1. The term οὐκέτι is frequently used in discussions of the new covenant, highlighting the transformation from the law to grace in Christian theology.
2. Its construction emphasizes not just negation, but also a definitive change in status or condition, making it an important term in biblical contexts.
3. In everyday Greek, οὐκέτι is still used to express the end of situations, retaining its significance in contemporary language.
Strong’s G3765: οὐκέτι (oukéti) translates as “no longer,” emphasizing a transition from a previous state, frequently used in biblical texts to signify cessation of actions or conditions in light of new spiritual realities.
This page is made possible by the generosity of coffee club members. Your support keeps spiritual truth free and ad-free for all seekers of wisdom. Thank you and I would like to pray this blessing on you.