Lexical Summary ouchi: not, no, indeed not Original Word: οὐχί Strong's Exhaustive Concordance not, nayIntensive of ou; not indeed -- nay, not. see GREEK ou HELPS Word-studies 3780 ou 3780 (ou ["The base, ou, is made stronger by - NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originintens. of ou, Definition not, not at all NASB Translation fail (1), no (6), no indeed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3780: οὐχίοὐχί, equivalent to οὐ, not, but stronger (cf. νυνί at the beginning); a. in simple negative sentences, by no means, not at all (A. V. not): John 13:10; John 14:22; 1 Corinthians 5:2; 1 Corinthians 6:1; followed by ἀλλά, 1 Corinthians 10:29; 2 Corinthians 10:13 (L T Tr WH οὐκ); in denials or contradictions (A. V. nay; not so), Luke 1:60; Luke 12:51; Luke 13:3, 5; Luke 16:30; Romans 3:27. b. in a question, Latinnonne? (asking what no one denies to be true): Matthew 5:46; Matthew 10:29; Matthew 13:27; Matthew 20:13; Luke 6:39; Luke 17:17 (L Tr WH οὐχ); Strong’s Greek 3780 occurs fifty-four times, functioning in questions that anticipate an affirmative reply or confirm a self-evident truth. By negating what no one would reasonably deny, the speaker or writer presses home certainty, urgency, or rebuke. The term therefore belongs to the language of persuasion and conviction, serving teachers, prophets, and apostles who invite listeners to acknowledge what is already plain. Form and Nuance 1. Introduces a question whose answer is implicitly “yes” (Matthew 6:25). Because the expected response is agreement, the particle operates like the raised eyebrow of Scripture, urging reflection that leads to repentance or renewed faith. Usage in the Teaching of Jesus • Ethical instruction: “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25). Here the particle dislodges anxiety by exposing its folly. Johannine Emphasis John records the particle in dialogues that clarify identity and mission: Acts and the Early Church Peter’s rebuke to Ananias—“Was it not yours before it was sold?” (Acts 5:4)—uses the particle to expose deceit. Stephen’s sermon closes with Isaiah’s question, “Did not My hand make all these things?” (Acts 7:50), anchoring his defense in God’s sovereign creation. The early church therefore inherited the prophetic device of rhetorical negation to confront sin and affirm truth. Pauline Rhetoric Paul’s letters employ the particle in sharp doctrinal and pastoral argument: Each case forces readers to concede Paul’s logical conclusion before he states it, giving his exhortations incisive power. Hebrews and General Epistles Hebrews 1:14 marshals angelology for pastoral comfort: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” The particle affirms angelic ministry while exalting the Son. Hebrews 3:17 revisits the wilderness generation—“With whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not those who sinned?”—turning history into warning. Theological Significance 1. Revelation of God’s character: Questions built on obvious truth magnify divine care (Matthew 10:29) and generosity (Romans 8:32). Historical and Cultural Background Classical rhetoric prized the rhetorical question (erotesis) for turning an audience into witnesses against themselves. The New Testament writers, steeped in Scripture and Hellenistic discourse, employ the same tool. Yet their purpose surpasses mere persuasion; it is covenantal confrontation, calling hearers to repentance, faith, and obedience in the Messiah. Translation and Exegesis Considerations 1. English renderings vary: “Is not,” “Are not,” “Did not,” or “Was it not,” but the underlying expectation of agreement remains constant. Ministry Applications • Preaching: Employ well-crafted questions that lead congregations to discover truth, mirroring the Master’s method. Prayer and Reflection Meditating on passages that use Strong’s 3780 can shape prayers of surrender: “Father, if You care for sparrows, will You not also care for me?” (Matthew 10:29), and confessions of hope: “Will You not freely give us all things with Christ?” (Romans 8:32). Let the Spirit turn each rhetorical “Is it not?” into a confident “Indeed it is!” within the believer’s heart. Summary Strong’s Greek 3780 is more than a linguistic detail; it is a Spirit-inspired device that awakens assent, strengthens assurance, and advances the gospel’s gentle yet relentless logic. Wherever it appears, truth is underscored, doubt is challenged, and the reader is invited to respond with wholehearted agreement to the revelation of God in Christ. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 5:46 Prtcl-IGRK: μισθὸν ἔχετε οὐχὶ καὶ οἱ KJV: have ye? do not even the publicans INT: reward have you do not also the Matthew 5:47 Prtcl-I Matthew 6:25 Prtcl-I Matthew 10:29 Prtcl-I Matthew 12:11 Prtcl-I Matthew 13:27 Prtcl-I Matthew 13:56 Prtcl-I Matthew 18:12 Prtcl-I Matthew 20:13 Prtcl-I Luke 1:60 Adv Luke 4:22 Prtcl-I Luke 6:39 Prtcl-I Luke 12:6 Prtcl-I Luke 12:51 Adv Luke 13:3 Adv Luke 13:5 Adv Luke 14:28 Prtcl-I Luke 14:31 Prtcl-I Luke 15:8 Prtcl-I Luke 16:30 Adv Luke 17:8 Prtcl-I Luke 17:17 Prtcl-I Luke 18:30 Adv Luke 22:27 Prtcl-I Luke 23:39 Prtcl-I |
    |