Lexical Summary menoun and menounge: Indeed, rather, on the contrary Original Word: μενοῦν and μενοῦνγε Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rather, on the contraryFrom Not Used and oun and ge; so then at least -- nay but, yea doubtless (rather, verily). see GREEK Not Used see GREEK oun see GREEK ge HELPS Word-studies 3304 menoúnge (from 3303 /mén, "indeed"; 3767 /oún, "therefore"; and 1065 /gé, "really") – properly, therefore really indeed. 3304 (menoúnge) is often translated, yea rather, indeed on the contrary. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom men, oun and ge Definition rather, on the contrary NASB Translation contrary (1), indeed (1), more than (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3304: μενουγγεμενουγγε (μενοῦν γέ L Tr) (μέν, οὖν, γέ), nay surely, nay rather; three times in answers by which what was previously said is corrected (and standing at the beginning of the clause, contrary to Attic usage where μέν οὖν is never so placed; cf. Sturz, De dial. Mac. et Alex., p. 203f; Lob. ad Phryn., p. 342; (Buttmann, 370f (318); Winer's Grammar, § 61, 6)): Luke 11:28 (where T Tr WH μενοῦν); Romans 9:20; Romans 10:18; also Philippians 3:8 (where L G Tr μέν οὖν, WH μέν οὖν γέ), and Nicet. ann. 21, 11. 415 (p. 851, Bekker edition). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3304 denotes a vigorous particle of affirmation that corrects or heightens a preceding statement. Rather than negating what came before, it redirects the reader’s attention to what is more decisive, steering thought toward a fuller or truer perspective. In everyday Koine usage the particle served as an emphatic “indeed,” “nay, rather,” or “most certainly,” and the New Testament writers preserve this nuance in three strategic passages. Linguistic and Contextual Nuances Composed of μέν (“indeed”) with ουν (“therefore”) and sometimes the intensifier γε, the expression knits together concession, transition, and emphasis. It functions in two principal ways: 1. Corrective enhancement—challenging a false or incomplete notion by setting it aside in favor of a superior truth. Because it operates at the level of rhetoric rather than grammar, the term must always be weighed against its immediate literary context and the unfolding argument of the writer. Occurrences in the New Testament Luke 11:28 places the particle in the mouth of Jesus after a woman extols His mother: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Here it redirects admiration from physical motherhood to spiritual obedience. Romans 9:20 employs the fuller form μενοῦνγε to press home the Creator’s sovereign right: “But who are you, O man, to talk back to God?” Paul’s rebuke is sharpened by the particle, underlining the audacity of challenging divine prerogative. Romans 10:18 uses the same strengthened form to rebut any claim that Israel never heard the gospel witness: “Indeed, ‘Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.’” The citation of Psalm 19 becomes an emphatic proof that revelation has been universally broadcast. Theological Significance 1. Authority of God’s Word: In Luke, obedience to divine revelation supersedes every natural advantage. Practical Ministry Application • Preaching and Teaching: The particle illustrates how Scripture often replaces surface-level enthusiasm or human objections with God-centered priorities. Modern proclamation should likewise guide hearers from sentiment or skepticism to submission. Historical and Exegetical Notes Early commentators such as Chrysostom observed that Paul’s μενοῦνγε disallows even the slightest impugning of God’s character, reading the word as a verbal “hand raised” to silence presumption. Reformers drew on the same passages to defend sola Scriptura and God’s sovereign grace. More recently, exegetes underscore its role in structuring Pauline diatribe, marking shifts from hypothetical objections to apostolic resolutions. Related Greek Terms Although ἀλλά (“but”) and οὐ μή (“never”) also express contrast or emphasis, only μέν οὖν (and its strengthened forms) both concedes and then elevates. Its rhetorical potency lies in coupling mild concession with decisive clarification. Summary Strong’s 3304 is a small yet forceful particle that amplifies obedience over admiration, divine sovereignty over human questioning, and universal proclamation over assumed ignorance. Appreciating its thrust enriches exegesis, fortifies theological precision, and invigorates contemporary ministry with the same certitude that inspired Luke and Paul. Forms and Transliterations Μενουν Μενοῦν μενουνγε μενούνγε μενοῦνγε Menoun Menoûn menounge menoûn'geLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 11:28 PrtclGRK: δὲ εἶπεν Μενοῦν μακάριοι οἱ KJV: said, Yea rather, blessed INT: moreover said Yes rather blessed they who Romans 9:20 Prtcl Romans 10:18 Prtcl Strong's Greek 3304 |
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