3386. méti ge

Lexicon

méti ge: "not indeed," "surely not," "by no means"

Original Word: μήτι γε
Part of Speech: Particle
Transliteration: méti ge
Pronunciation: MAY-tee geh
Phonetic Spelling: (may'-tig-eh)
Definition: "not indeed," "surely not," "by no means"
Meaning: let alone, much less, much more

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

how much more.

From meti and ge; not at all then, i.e. Not to say (the rather still) -- how much more.

see GREEK meti

see GREEK ge

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
see méti and ge
Definition
let alone, much less, much more
NASB Translation
how much more (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3386: μήτιγε

μήτιγε (so G T WH; but μήτι γέ R L, μή τί γέ Tr) (from μή, τί, γέ), to say nothing of, not to mention, which according to the context is either a. much less; or b. much more, much rather; so once in the N. T., 1 Corinthians 6:3. Cf. Herm. ad Vig., p. 801f.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: A compound of μή (mē, Strong's 3361) and γε (ge, Strong's 1065).

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to μήτι γε, similar rhetorical questions expecting a negative response can be found in Hebrew through the use of particles like הֲ (ha, Strong's 3808) combined with other negations or interrogatives. These constructions serve a similar purpose in guiding the audience toward a specific understanding or response.

Usage: This particle is used in the New Testament to frame questions in a way that anticipates a negative answer. It is a rhetorical device that emphasizes the expected denial or negation of the proposition.

Context: μήτι γε is a nuanced Greek expression found in the New Testament, serving as a rhetorical tool to guide the listener or reader toward a specific understanding or response. It is employed in contexts where the speaker anticipates or desires a negative answer, thus subtly influencing the audience's perception of the situation. This particle is not merely a question marker but carries with it an expectation of denial, often used by Jesus and other speakers to challenge assumptions or provoke thought.

For example, in the Gospel of John, Jesus uses μήτι γε to question the crowd's understanding or to lead them to a deeper truth. The use of this particle can be seen as a pedagogical method, encouraging the audience to reflect on their beliefs and assumptions. It is a testament to the richness of the Greek language in conveying not just information but also the speaker's intent and the expected reaction of the audience.

In the Berean Standard Bible, the translation of μήτι γε captures this subtlety by framing questions in a way that reflects the anticipated negative response, maintaining the rhetorical force of the original Greek.

Forms and Transliterations

μητιγε μήτιγε metige mētige mḗtige

Englishman's Concordance

1 Corinthians 6:3 Adv
GRK: ἀγγέλους κρινοῦμεν μήτιγε βιωτικά
KJV: angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
INT: angels we will judge much more than things of this life

Strong's Greek 3386
1 Occurrence

μήτιγε — 1 Occ.