Lexical Summary mén: indeed, truly, on the one hand Original Word: μέν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance surelyA stronger form of men; a particle of affirmation (only with e); assuredly -- + surely. see GREEK men see GREEK e NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina strengthened form of men Definition certainly NASB Translation surely* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3375: μήν (Prtcl)μήν (Prtcl) ((from Homer down)), a particle of affirmation, verily, certainly, truly (Wis. 6:25); ἤ μήν, see under ἤ at the end. Topical Lexicon Semantic and Literary FunctionThis concise adverb of affirmation serves to intensify a statement, functioning much like the English “surely” or “indeed.” In Greek rhetoric it strengthens an oath or solemn declaration, sharpening the hearer’s sense that what follows is unquestionable. Though it appears only once in the Greek New Testament, its resonance is enriched by frequent Old Testament use in the Septuagint, where it regularly seals divine and human oaths (for example Genesis 22:17; 2 Kings 3:14; Isaiah 22:14). Background in the Septuagint 1. Oaths and Covenants In such passages the adverb underscores the inviolability of God’s sworn word. 2. Judicial Assertions 3. Prophetic Warnings It strengthens threats of judgment (Isaiah 22:14) and promises of restoration (Jeremiah 16:15), proving versatile in both mercy and justice. Sole New Testament Occurrence: Hebrews 6:14 Hebrews 6:14: “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” Here the writer cites Genesis 22:17 verbatim from the Septuagint, retaining the adverb to highlight the certainty of God’s covenant promise to Abraham. This citation anchors the epistle’s larger argument: believers may rest in full assurance because God, “wanting to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear,” bolstered His promise with an oath (Hebrews 6:17). The adverb thus: • Links Abraham’s experience to the audience’s need for endurance (Hebrews 6:12). Theological Significance 1. Divine Self-Obligation By appending this adverb to His own oath, God stoops to human legal conventions, binding Himself for the believer’s sake (cf. Galatians 3:15). The adverb therefore spotlights condescension and covenant faithfulness. 2. Assurance and Perseverance Hebrews employs it pastorally. The congregation, tempted by weariness, receives a reminder that the God who once swore “surely” to Abraham now guarantees the believer’s future in Christ. Security of salvation is not rooted in human resolve but in God’s irrevocable oath. 3. Continuity of Revelation The identical wording in Genesis and Hebrews underscores Scripture’s unity. One decisive “surely” spans millennia, displaying a single redemptive storyline culminating in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). Ministry and Pastoral Application • Counseling Hope: When believers question God’s faithfulness, direct them to Hebrews 6:13-20. The emphatic “surely” demolishes doubt and restores confidence. Homiletical Themes 1. “When God Says Surely”—explore divine commitment. Devotional Reflection Meditate on Hebrews 6:14–18. Note how a single syllable—“surely”—anchors the soul. If God punctuates His promise with such force, wavering is needless. The Christian’s hope, “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19), rests on the God who cannot lie and whose every “surely” is sealed by the blood of His Son. Conclusion Although Strong’s Greek 3375 appears but once in the New Testament, its background and placement make it a theological jewel. It magnifies the certainty of God’s word, ties together Old and New Testament revelation, and offers a potent resource for preaching, teaching, and personal assurance. Forms and Transliterations μην μὴν men mēn mḕnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 6:14 PrtclGRK: λέγων Εἰ μὴν εὐλογῶν εὐλογήσω NAS: saying, I WILL SURELY BLESS INT: saying if surely blessing I will bless |
    |