3760. oudamós
Lexical Summary
oudamós: By no means, in no way, not at all

Original Word: οὐδαμῶς
Part of Speech: Adverb, Negative
Transliteration: oudamós
Pronunciation: oo-dam-oce'
Phonetic Spelling: (oo-dam-oce')
KJV: not
NASB: no means
Word Origin: [adverb from (the feminine) of G3762 (οὐδείς - no one)]

1. by no means

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
by no means

Adverb from (the feminine) of oudeis; by no means -- not.

see GREEK oudeis

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from oudamos (not even one, cf. médamós)
Definition
by no means
NASB Translation
no means (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3760: οὐδαμῶς

οὐδαμῶς (from οὐδαμός, not even one; and this from οὐδέ and ἆμος (allied perhaps with ἅμα; cf. Vanicek, p. 972; Curtius, § 600)), adverb, from Herodotus (and Aeschylus) down, by no means, in no wise: Matthew 2:6.

Topical Lexicon
Biblical occurrence

The adverb appears a single time in the New Testament, Matthew 2:6, within the citation of Micah 5:2 delivered to King Herod by the chief priests and scribes. Its placement at the head of the sentence heightens the contrast between Bethlehem’s outward insignificance and its divinely appointed prominence in salvation history.

Narrative setting

Matthew frames the visit of the Magi around two Old Testament passages: Micah 5:2 and 2 Samuel 5:2. When Herod inquires where the Christ is to be born, the religious leaders answer with the combined quotation, culminating in the emphatic declaration, “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.” (Matthew 2:6). The adverb underscores Bethlehem’s elevation by divine choice in spite of its small size.

Prophetic fulfillment

1. Micah 5:2 foretold that the future Shepherd-King would arise from Bethlehem.
2. Matthew’s use of the adverb accentuates the certainty and exclusivity of that prophecy’s fulfillment in Jesus.
3. By echoing David’s birthplace (1 Samuel 17:12), the evangelist ties Jesus to the Davidic covenant, fulfilling 2 Samuel 7:12-16.

Theological themes

• Sovereignty of God: The strong negative particle insists that no earthly evaluation can overturn God’s decree.
• Christological prominence: The One born in Bethlehem surpasses every local “ruler” because He shepherds Israel eternally (John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20).
• Reversal of human expectations: God regularly exalts what the world deems insignificant (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

Historical context

In the first century, Bethlehem was an unfortified village roughly six miles south of Jerusalem. Roman census records and Jewish writings present it as agriculturally modest, enhancing the dramatic effect of Matthew’s wording. Early patristic commentators (e.g., Ignatius, Justin Martyr) cited the verse to defend the Messiahship of Jesus against both Jewish and pagan objections, emphasizing the improbability of a self-styled messiah arranging his own birthplace.

Relation to other Scripture

While the specific adverb is unique to Matthew 2:6, its theological thrust resonates with similar emphatic negations that highlight divine purposes:
• “I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
• “By no means will the resurrection be prevented by those who sleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15, paraphrased with a cognate expression).

Such statements confirm the unwavering reliability of God’s plans.

Practical ministry applications

1. Encouragement in obscurity: Believers serving in small or overlooked contexts can trust God to magnify humble obedience.
2. Confidence in prophecy: The emphatic wording reminds disciples that every promise concerning Christ will come to pass precisely.
3. Evangelistic leverage: Pointing seekers to the accuracy of Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:6 strengthens the case for Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Homiletical insights

A sermon can trace three movements:
• “Hidden village” – describing Bethlehem’s humble status.
• “Heavenly verdict” – God’s emphatic declaration overturning earthly assessments.
• “Heralded victory” – the birth, life, death, and resurrection of the Shepherd-King who now gathers a people from every nation (Revelation 7:9-17).

Devotional reflection

When divine purpose intersects daily life, even the smallest place or person becomes central to God’s redemptive story. Standing with the Magi before Bethlehem’s child, believers hear the Spirit affirm: “By no means are you forgotten in My kingdom.”

Forms and Transliterations
ουδαμως ουδαμώς οὐδαμῶς oudamos oudamôs oudamōs oudamō̂s
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 2:6 Adv
GRK: γῆ Ἰούδα οὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη εἶ
NAS: OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST
KJV: of Juda, art not the least among
INT: land of Judah in no way least are

Strong's Greek 3760
1 Occurrence


οὐδαμῶς — 1 Occ.

3759
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