### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μηδέ (mēdé), Strong's `{{G3366}}`, is a conjunction and negative particle formed by the combination of `{{G3361}}` (μή - mē), the particle for subjective or conditional negation, and `{{G1161}}` (δέ - de), a conjunction often meaning "but," "and," or "now." Its core meaning encompasses "but not," "and not," "nor," or "not even."
Functionally, μηδέ serves to continue a negation, often after a preceding negative clause. It emphatically denies something, or extends a previous denial to include something else. This can manifest as an inclusive negation ("not even X") or a comprehensive negation within a series ("neither X nor Y"). A critical distinction lies between μηδέ and `{{G3761}}` (οὐδέ - oudé). While both convey negation, μηδέ expresses a subjective, conditional, or desired negation (used with non-indicative moods like imperatives, subjunctives, or infinitives, and in conditional clauses), whereas οὐδέ expresses an objective, factual negation (used with the indicative mood).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
μηδέ appears frequently throughout the New Testament, primarily in contexts of commands, prohibitions, and conditional statements. Its usage often aims to broaden or intensify a negative injunction.
* **Comprehensive Prohibitions:** In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses μηδέ to emphasize the comprehensive nature of His commands regarding oaths: "But I say to you, do not take an oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is God's throne, nor by the earth, for it is his footstool, nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black" [[Matthew 5:34-36]]. Here, μηδὲ (four times) ensures the prohibition is absolute and covers all potential forms of oath-taking.
* **Ethical Instructions:** In His teaching on anxiety, Jesus commands, "Therefore do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on" [[Matthew 6:25]]. The μηδὲ extends the prohibition against anxiety to encompass both food/drink and clothing, indicating a total reliance on God's provision. Similarly, Paul instructs, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" [[2 Thessalonians 3:10]], where μηδὲ reinforces the consequence of idleness.
* **Discipline and Purity:** Paul uses μηδὲ to underscore the seriousness of disassociating from unrepentant believers: "But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one" [[1 Corinthians 5:11]]. The phrase "not even to eat" (μηδὲ συνεσθίειν) highlights the extreme nature of the required separation.
* **Avoidance of Stumbling Blocks:** In discussing Christian liberty, Paul advises, "It is good not to eat meat or drink wine, nor anything else that causes your brother to stumble" [[Romans 14:21]]. The use of μηδὲ here expands the scope of avoidance to any action that might cause a fellow believer to falter, emphasizing the principle of love over personal freedom.
* **Apostolic Prohibitions:** The Sanhedrin's command to Peter and John was clear: "And they charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus" [[Acts 4:18]]. μηδὲ here emphasizes the absolute nature of their prohibition against the apostles' ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{G3361}}` (μή), the root negative particle from which μηδέ is derived. μηδέ serves as an intensified or connective form of μή.
Another crucial related word is `{{G3761}}` (οὐδέ), which is formed from `{{G3756}}` (οὐ - ou), the objective negative particle, and `{{G1161}}` (δέ). The distinction between μηδέ and οὐδέ is fundamental to understanding Greek negation. μηδέ expresses a negation of will, desire, or possibility, often in commands, questions, or conditional clauses, whereas οὐδέ expresses a negation of fact or reality. For example, "Do not steal" uses μὴ (and thus μηδέ for continued negation), while "He did not steal" uses οὐ (and thus οὐδέ for continued factual negation).
Other related terms include `{{G3364}}` (μηδαμῶς - mēdamōs), meaning "by no means" or "not at all," and `{{G3367}}` (μηδείς - mēdeis), meaning "no one" or "nothing," which is the substantive form of μηδέ. The concept of "comprehensive negation" is central to understanding the force of μηδέ, as it often serves to ensure that a prohibition or denial is absolute and inclusive of all related aspects.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μηδέ primarily lies in its role in articulating divine commands and prohibitions within the New Testament. Its frequent appearance in ethical instructions from Jesus and the apostles underscores the comprehensive nature of God's expectations for His people.
1. **Holistic Obedience:** μηδέ often extends a prohibition beyond a primary action to include related behaviors or attitudes, demanding a holistic and thorough obedience from believers. It emphasizes that God's will is not merely about avoiding overt sin, but also about cultivating a life free from its subtle manifestations or associations.
2. **Emphasis on Divine Authority:** When used in divine commands, μηδέ reinforces the absolute authority of the one issuing the command. It leaves no room for partial compliance or evasion, demanding complete adherence to the will of God.
3. **Call to Distinction:** In contexts where believers are called to be separate from the world or from sinful practices, μηδέ highlights the necessity of a clear distinction. It implies that believers should not only refrain from certain actions but also avoid circumstances or associations that could compromise their witness or draw them into sin.
4. **Practical Application of Grace:** While salvation is by grace through faith, the presence of numerous μηδέ prohibitions demonstrates that this grace leads to a transformed life of responsible conduct. It highlights the ongoing sanctification process, where believers actively strive to live in a manner consistent with their new identity in Christ.
### Summary
μηδέ (mēdé), `{{G3366}}`, is a significant Greek negative conjunction, meaning "but not," "nor," or "not even." Derived from `{{G3361}}` (μή) and `{{G1161}}` (δέ), it functions to continue or intensify a subjective or conditional negation. Crucially, it differs from `{{G3761}}` (οὐδέ) in that μηδέ is used with non-indicative moods (imperatives, subjunctives, infinitives, participles) and in conditional clauses, expressing what is forbidden, undesirable, or hypothetically not the case, rather than stating a factual absence.
In biblical texts, μηδέ is instrumental in conveying comprehensive divine commands and prohibitions. Examples include Jesus' absolute prohibition against swearing [[Matthew 5:34-36]], His call to complete reliance on God without anxiety [[Matthew 6:25]], and Paul's instruction for radical separation from unrepentant sin [[1 Corinthians 5:11]]. Theologically, μηδέ underscores the holistic and detailed nature of God's will, calling believers to a life of thorough obedience that extends beyond obvious transgressions to subtle forms and associations. It serves as a powerful linguistic tool for articulating the profound ethical demands inherent in the Christian faith.
TRV