### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek phrase **μὴ οὐκ (mḕ ouk)**, represented by `{{G3378}}`, is a strong interrogative and negative construction. It is formed from two negatives, `{{G3361}}` μή and `{{G3756}}` οὐ, creating a rhetorical question that expects an affirmative answer, essentially meaning "is it not that?". It appears only **6 times** in **6 unique verses**, making each occurrence significant. This structure is used to present an argument or make a point that the speaker considers undeniable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3378}}` is employed to challenge the audience and assert truth. The Apostle Paul uses it to defend his apostolic rights, asking rhetorically if he does not have the **power** to **eat** and **drink** [[1 Corinthians 9:4]] or to be accompanied by a **wife** like **other** apostles [[1 Corinthians 9:5]]. He also uses it to counter potential arguments, asking, "Have they **not** heard?" concerning the gospel's reach [[Romans 10:18]], and "Did **not Israel know**?" regarding God's warnings through **Moses** [[Romans 10:19]]. **Jesus** uses the phrase to express His submission to the Father's will, asking **Peter**, "the **cup** which my **Father** hath given **me**, shall **I not drink** it?" [[John 18:11]]. Paul also uses it to rebuke the Corinthians for their behavior, questioning if they have **not houses** to **eat** in, rather than despising the **church** of **God** [[1 Corinthians 11:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
This phrase is a compound of two key negative particles, which, along with other contextually relevant words, clarify its function:
* `{{G3361}}` **mḗ** (not, lest): A particle of qualified negation, often implying a potential or hypothetical "not." It is used in contexts where a condition or prohibition is expressed, such as God making Christ, who knew **no** sin, to be sin for us [[2 Corinthians 5:21]].
* `{{G3756}}` **ou** (no or not): This is the absolute negative adverb. Unlike `{{G3361}}`, it expresses a direct and factual denial. For example, Paul states that he is **not** come to call the righteous, **but** sinners to repentance [[Matthew 9:13]].
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (authority, power, right): This word for delegated influence or **privilege** is central to Paul's use of `{{G3378}}`. He uses the rhetorical question to affirm his apostolic **power** [[1 Corinthians 9:4-5]], a concept also seen when Jesus gives believers **power** to become the sons of God [[John 1:12]].
* `{{G1097}}` **ginṓskō** (to "know"): The question "Did **not Israel know**?" [[Romans 10:19]] employs this word to challenge the Israelites' awareness of God's plan. This word signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, as in the promise, "ye shall **know** the truth, and the truth shall make you free" [[John 8:32]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3378}}` lies in its use as an emphatic rhetorical tool to establish key doctrines and correct behavior.
* **Assertion of Apostolic Authority:** Paul uses `{{G3378}}` to affirm his God-given rights as an **apostle**. By asking "Have we **not power**?" ([[1 Corinthians 9:4]], [[1 Corinthians 9:5]]), he is not questioning his authority but compelling the Corinthians to acknowledge the legitimacy of his ministry and its entitlements.
* **Divine Revelation and Human Responsibility:** The questions in Romans 10 ("Have they **not** heard?" and "Did **not Israel know**?") highlight the responsibility of those who have received God's revelation. The message has **gone out** to the whole **earth** [[Romans 10:18]], and **Israel** was forewarned [[Romans 10:19]], leaving them without excuse.
* **Christ's Obedience to the Father:** Jesus’ use of `{{G3378}}` is a powerful declaration of his commitment to the Father's plan. His question, "shall I **not drink** it?" [[John 18:11]], confirms his willing acceptance of the suffering represented by the **cup**, underscoring his perfect obedience.
* **The Sanctity of the Church:** Paul's question to the Corinthians, "have ye **not houses** to **eat** and **drink** in? or **despise ye** the **church** of **God**?" [[1 Corinthians 11:22]], uses `{{G3378}}` to underscore the sacred nature of the Christian assembly and rebuke those who would treat it as a common gathering, thereby shaming poorer members.
### Summary
In summary, **μὴ οὐκ** `{{G3378}}` is a rare but potent Greek construction that functions as a strong rhetorical question demanding agreement. Though it appears only six times, it is used to make crucial points about apostolic **power**, the responsibility that comes with divine knowledge, the sanctity of the **church**, and, most profoundly, the submission of **Jesus** to His **Father's** will. It demonstrates how a grammatical structure combining two negatives can create an undeniable affirmation, forcing the reader to confront a fundamental truth.
TRV