Lexical Summary oudamós: By no means, in no way, not at all Original Word: οὐδαμῶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance by no meansAdverb from (the feminine) of oudeis; by no means -- not. see GREEK oudeis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom oudamos (not even one, cf. médamós) Definition by no means NASB Translation no means (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3760: οὐδαμῶςοὐδαμῶς (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. Theological themes • Sovereignty of God: The strong negative particle insists that no earthly evaluation can overturn God’s decree. 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: 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. Homiletical insights A sermon can trace three movements: 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 oudamō̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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