Lexical Summary méti: "whether," "if," "surely not," "is it?" Original Word: μήτι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance notFrom me and the neuter of tis; whether at all -- not (the particle usually not expressed, except by the form of the question). see GREEK me see GREEK tis HELPS Word-studies 3385 mḗti (from 3361 /mḗ, "not" and 5101 /tís, "anything") – properly, not perhaps, "no on first blush (reaction)" – while still keeping "the possibility open" to elicit the desired reaction from the listener (reader). 3385 (mḗti) then draws out an immediate "no," while still conjuring the idea, "unless . . . ". Example: Jn 4:29: "Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not (3385 /mḗti) the Christ, is it?" (NASU). A. T. Robertson, "Is not this the Christ (3385 /mḗti) . . . " elicits "the negative answer ('this cannot be') . . . 'unless He really is the Christ!' (holding out the 'diplomatic possibility') and thus heightening their interest" (WS, 429,30). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom mé and the neut. of tis Definition can this be? (interrog. particle expecting a neg. answer) NASB Translation cannot (1), cannot* (1), perhaps (1), surely (4), surely no (1), unless* (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3385: μήτιμήτι (so G T WH R (commonly), but μή τί L (except 1 Corinthians 6:3) Tr (except Matthew 26:22, 25; Mark 4:21)) (μή and τί), whether at all, whether perchance, an interrogative expecting a negative answer; in a direct question (German doch nicht etwa? (in English generally untranslated; cf. Winers Grammar, § 57, 3 b.; Buttmann, 248 (213))): Matthew 7:16; Matthew 26:22, 25; Mark 4:21; Mark 14:19; Luke 6:39; John 7:31 (R G); Topical Lexicon Function and NuanceThe particle appears wherever a speaker frames a question that anticipates or invites a negative answer, or, in a few constructions introduced by “if” (εἰ), points to an exception that the speaker judges highly unlikely. It often sharpens contrast, exposes hidden assumptions, or compels the hearer to self-examination. English versions usually render it with “can,” “surely not,” “could this,” “did I,” or in the phrase “except perhaps.” Occurrences in the New Testament Gospels Acts Pauline Letters General Epistle Key Theological Themes 1. Revelation versus Concealment In parables about lamps and fruit (Matthew 7:16; Mark 4:21), the particle highlights the absurdity of hiding truth. God’s revelation will not remain veiled. 2. Messianic Identity and Faith Questions in Matthew 12:23 and John 4:29 place hearers on the threshold of recognition. The expected negative answer is deliberately unsettled by Jesus’ works, nudging the audience toward confession. 3. Self-Examination and Integrity Disciples’ protestations at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:22; Mark 14:19) and Paul’s rhetorical defense (2 Corinthians 1:17; 12:18) use the particle to expose potential duplicity, calling believers to honest self-assessment (2 Corinthians 13:5). 4. Unity of Jew and Gentile Acts 10:47 removes barriers to baptism. The particle frames withholding water as inconceivable once the Holy Spirit has clearly acted. 5. Ethical Consistency James 3:11 wields the particle to condemn double-mindedness, insisting that speech spring from a single, redeemed source. Ministry and Discipleship Application • Preaching: Employing well-placed rhetorical questions that expect a “No” can mirror Jesus’ method, leading congregations to articulate truth for themselves. Historical and Linguistic Background In Classical Greek the particle already served to introduce negatively oriented questions. Koine writers, under the Spirit’s guidance, harnessed this everyday device for theological depth. Its presence in both narrative and epistolary genres demonstrates the continuity of ordinary speech patterns with inspired proclamation. Summary Throughout the New Testament, the particle translated “surely not,” “can,” or “could” sharpens contrasts, dismantles objections, and invites deeper reflection. Whether on the lips of Jesus, His apostles, or those encountering the gospel, it repeatedly guides hearers toward truth that is both intellectually compelling and spiritually transformative. Forms and Transliterations μη μητι μήτι meti mēti mḗtiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 7:16 Prtcl-IGRK: ἐπιγνώσεσθε αὐτούς μήτι συλλέγουσιν ἀπὸ INT: you will know them not Do they gather from Matthew 12:23 Prtcl-I Matthew 26:22 Prtcl-I Matthew 26:25 Prtcl-I Mark 4:21 Prtcl-I Mark 14:19 Prtcl-I Luke 6:39 Prtcl-I Luke 9:13 Prtcl-I John 4:29 Prtcl-I John 8:22 Prtcl-I John 18:35 Prtcl-I Acts 10:47 Prtcl-I 1 Corinthians 7:5 Prtcl-I 2 Corinthians 1:17 Prtcl-I 2 Corinthians 12:18 Prtcl-I 2 Corinthians 13:5 Prtcl-I James 3:11 Prtcl-I |
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