3220

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Greek 3220 is an emphatic particle—a compact way of saying “yes, certainly, indeed.” It never appears in the canonical Greek New Testament, yet it belongs to the same family of small connective words that shape the flow of Scripture’s arguments (for example, μέν, δέ, γέ, οὖν). Its value lies in what it teaches about biblical affirmation: God’s word is not hesitant or uncertain; when the Spirit intends to underscore a truth, He has precise linguistic tools for the task.

Relationship to Other Particles

The particle combines the ideas of μέν (“indeed, on the one hand”) with γέ (“at least, indeed”), making the affirmation doubly strong. When New Testament writers wish to heighten conviction without this exact form, they deploy near-synonyms such as ἀληθῶς (“truly,” Matthew 14:33) or the doubled ἀμήν (“Amen, amen,” John 1:51). Seeing how 3220 works in contemporary and Septuagint Greek clarifies why the inspired authors chose other emphatic forms for the same rhetorical effect.

Septuagint Usage

In the Greek Old Testament the particle turns up where the Hebrew text uses אָכֵן or אָבָל—terms that move a statement from possibility to certainty. A few illustrations:
• Genesis 18:13, “Indeed (LXX: μέντοιγε) I will surely return to you” (cf.).
• Psalm 73:13, “Surely (LXX: μέντοιγε) in vain have I kept my heart pure.”

These verses remind readers that divine promises and human laments alike may be stamped with a strong “yes, this is so.”

Foreshadowing New Testament Certainty

Although 3220 itself is absent from the Greek New Testament, its emphatic force lives on. Jesus often precedes a solemn declaration with “Truly, truly” (John 5:24), and Paul anchors pastoral counsel with “This saying is trustworthy” (1 Timothy 1:15). These parallels demonstrate continuity between the Testaments: God communicates assurance both before and after the Incarnation.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Fidelity. An emphatic particle signals that the speaker’s word is unbreakable. When the Lord says, “Surely I will bless you” (Hebrews 6:14), no power can overturn that pledge.
2. Human Response. Believers echo God’s certainty in worship: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
3. Prophetic Warning. The same linguistic firmness also seals judgment: “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another” (Matthew 24:2).

Historical Exegesis

Patristic writers noticed these emphatic devices even when the exact particle was missing from the New Testament text. Chrysostom, commenting on Romans 9:1, observed that Paul piles up assurances so hearers will “receive his words as if God Himself were speaking.” The Reformers likewise highlighted double affirmations to prove Scripture’s perspicuity: what God stresses, His people must heed.

Pastoral and Practical Uses

• Preaching. Let the congregation feel the weight of divine certainties. If God “surely” judges or “surely” comforts, the preacher must convey that weight.
• Counseling. Doubting souls need reminders that God’s promissory notes are stamped with an emphatic “yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
• Personal Devotion. Mark every “amen,” “truly,” or “surely” in one’s Bible reading to trace the golden thread of assurance.

Conclusion

Though Strong’s 3220 never appears in the New Testament text, its emphatic spirit permeates the whole canon. Studying it sharpens our ears to every firm pledge and sober warning God utters. Scripture speaks with absolute clarity—sometimes in a single, potent particle—and the faithful heart rests secure in that certainty.

Englishman's Concordance

μελῶν — 2 Occ.
μέλος — 5 Occ.
Μελχὶ — 2 Occ.
Μελχισεδέκ — 8 Occ.
ἔμελεν — 2 Occ.
μέλει — 7 Occ.
μελέτω — 1 Occ.
μεμβράνας — 1 Occ.
μέμφεται — 1 Occ.
μεμφόμενος — 1 Occ.
μὲν — 182 Occ.
Μενοῦν — 1 Occ.
μενοῦνγε — 2 Occ.
μέντοι — 8 Occ.
ἐμείναμεν — 2 Occ.
ἔμειναν — 2 Occ.
ἔμεινεν — 10 Occ.
ἔμενεν — 3 Occ.
ἔμενον — 1 Occ.
μεῖναι — 6 Occ.