### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek phrase μὴ οὐκ (G3378) is a unique and potent combination of two distinct negative particles, μή (G3361) and οὐ (G3756). Individually, μή expresses a subjective or conditional negation, often used with subjunctives or imperatives, conveying prohibition or a negation based on will or possibility. In contrast, οὐ signifies an objective or factual negation, typically used with the indicative mood, stating a definite "no" or "not."
When combined as μὴ οὐκ in an interrogative context, the phrase forms a strong rhetorical question. Its primary semantic range is "Is it not that...?" or "Surely...?" It expects, and indeed demands, an affirmative answer from the listener. This double negative, rather than canceling out to a simple positive, intensifies the assertion, often conveying surprise, indignation, or a forceful appeal to an undeniable truth. While the base definition also lists "neither (followed by no), + never, not," these are typically implications of the rhetorical question's force rather than its direct meaning. It is crucial to distinguish μὴ οὐκ from οὐ μή (`{{G3756}}` `{{G3361}}`), which is a strong emphatic negation ("never," "by no means") used declaratively, not interrogatively.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of μὴ οὐκ (G3378) in the New Testament is relatively infrequent but highly impactful, serving to underscore a point with rhetorical force. A prime example of its function is found in Paul's defense of his apostolic rights in 1 Corinthians:
* [[1 Corinthians 9:4]]: "Do we not have the right to eat and drink?" (μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν φαγεῖν καὶ πιεῖν;) Here, Paul is not genuinely asking if he and Barnabas lack the right; rather, he is emphatically asserting that they *do* possess this right, challenging any who might deny it. The rhetorical question compels the Corinthian believers to acknowledge the obvious.
* [[1 Corinthians 9:5]]: "Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?" (μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν ἀδελφὴν γυναῖκα περιάγειν, ὡς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ ἀπόστολοι καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ τοῦ Κυρίου καὶ Κηφᾶς;) Similar to the preceding verse, Paul employs μὴ οὐκ to affirm his entitlement to support, including the right to travel with a believing wife, mirroring the practice of other apostles. The question serves to highlight the consistency of his rights with those of others, making his self-denial for the sake of the gospel all the more remarkable.
In both instances, the phrase μὴ οὐκ functions as a powerful rhetorical device, not seeking information but rather demanding agreement and reinforcing an undeniable truth. It engages the audience directly, prompting them to affirm the self-evident nature of the apostle's claims.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of μὴ οὐκ (G3378) naturally brings into view other related linguistic and rhetorical concepts in the Greek New Testament:
* **μή (G3361)**: The subjective negative particle, often used for prohibitions (e.g., μὴ φοβοῦ - "do not fear") or in conditional clauses, reflecting a negation of will or possibility.
* **οὐ (G3756)**: The objective negative particle, used for factual denials (e.g., οὐκ ἔστιν - "it is not"), indicating an absolute negation of something as a matter of fact.
* **οὐ μή (G3756 G3361)**: This combination, while also involving both negative particles, functions as an emphatic future negation, meaning "never" or "by no means will it happen" (e.g., [[Matthew 5:18]] - "until heaven and earth pass away, not one iota, not one dot, will pass from the Law"). It is declarative and definitive, distinct from the interrogative nature of μὴ οὐκ.
* **Rhetorical Questions**: The broader category of questions posed not to elicit an answer, but to make a point, persuade, or provoke thought. The Bible, particularly the Pauline epistles and the Gospels, abounds with such questions (e.g., [[Romans 8:31]] - "If God is for us, who can be against us?"). μὴ οὐκ is a specific and strong form of this device.
* **Affirmation Through Negation**: A linguistic phenomenon where a negative construction is used to emphasize a positive truth. The very act of asking "Is it not so?" compels an affirmative conclusion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μὴ οὐκ (G3378) lies primarily in its role as a powerful rhetorical tool that underscores divine authority, apostolic legitimacy, and the certainty of theological truths.
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul employs μὴ οὐκ to assert the inherent rights and privileges of an apostle. By framing his claims as rhetorical questions, he grounds his argument not in personal demand but in universally acknowledged principles of justice and common practice. The theological implication is that those who minister the gospel have a rightful claim to support, a principle established by God (cf. [[1 Corinthians 9:14]]). Paul's subsequent decision to waive these rights (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 9:12]]) is then presented not as a necessity, but as a deliberate act of self-sacrifice for the sake of the gospel's advancement, thereby magnifying the power of Christ working through him.
More broadly, the use of rhetorical questions, including those formed with μὴ οὐκ, reflects a divine pedagogy that engages the human intellect and will. God, through His inspired writers, does not merely state truths but invites and often compels assent. This linguistic device can convey strong conviction, righteous indignation, or an undeniable logical conclusion, guiding the reader to a deeper understanding and affirmation of biblical principles. It reinforces the certainty of a truth by presenting it as so obvious that its denial would be absurd.
### Summary
μὴ οὐκ (G3378) is a distinctive Greek phrase formed by the combination of the negative particles μή (G3361) and οὐ (G3756). Primarily functioning as a rhetorical question, it translates to "Is it not that...?" or "Surely...?" and invariably expects an affirmative answer. This construction serves to powerfully assert an undeniable truth, often expressing surprise or compelling agreement. Its most notable occurrences are in [[1 Corinthians 9:4]] and [[1 Corinthians 9:5]], where the Apostle Paul uses it to emphatically affirm the legitimate rights of apostleship, even as he chooses to forgo them for the sake of the gospel. Theologically, μὴ οὐκ highlights the certainty of divine principles, underscores apostolic authority, and exemplifies a rhetorical strategy employed in Scripture to engage and persuade the audience towards a deeper apprehension of truth. It is a linguistic tool that transforms a question into a forceful declaration, leaving no room for doubt concerning the affirmed reality.
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