from μή and τέ; not too, i.e. (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even:--neither, (n-)or, so as much.
Transliteration:mḗte
Pronunciation:may'-teh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek conjunction μήτε (mḗte, `{{G3383}}`) is a compound word derived from the negative particle μή (mḗ, `{{G3361}}`) and the enclitic conjunction τέ (te, `{{G5037}}`), which signifies "and" or "also." The fundamental meaning of μήτε is "not too," leading to its primary usage as a continued negation, most commonly translated as "neither...nor" or "not even." It serves to link two or more clauses, phrases, or words within a negative construction, emphasizing the exclusion or denial of all listed possibilities. Unlike οὐδέ (oudé, `{{G3761}}`), which typically follows an objective negation (οὐ), μήτε generally follows a preceding μή or operates within a context of subjective negation, prohibition, or conditional clauses, expressing what should not or might not be. Its semantic range thus encompasses a strong, comprehensive denial or prohibition of multiple elements.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
μήτε appears frequently in the New Testament, consistently reinforcing a comprehensive negation or prohibition. Its usage often highlights the absolute nature of a command, a truth, or a state of being.
* **Exclusion of Options/Comprehensive Prohibition:** In [[Matthew 5:34]], Jesus commands, "do not swear 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." Here, μήτε (translated as "neither...nor") underscores a complete prohibition against all forms of swearing, emphasizing the sanctity of God's name and creation. Similarly, [[1 Peter 3:3]] advises women not to adorn themselves with "outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel." The repeated μήτε (implied in the English "nor" or "or") stresses the spiritual priority over external show.
* **Universal Denial/Categorical Statement:** [[Romans 8:39]] powerfully declares that "neither height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." The use of μήτε here, combined with οὔτε (oute, `{{G3777}}`), creates an exhaustive list of things utterly incapable of severing believers from divine love, underscoring the invincibility of God's grace. In [[Luke 20:35]], Jesus states concerning those worthy of the resurrection, "neither marry, nor are given in marriage," indicating a fundamental shift in the nature of human relationships in the resurrected state.
* **Conditional Negation:** While less common than οὐδέ in purely factual negations, μήτε can appear in contexts where a condition or a potentiality is negated. For instance, in [[John 4:21]], Jesus tells the Samaritan woman, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither worship on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem." This speaks to a future state where geographical location will not determine true worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary word related to μήτε is its root, μή (mḗ, `{{G3361}}`), the general particle of subjective negation in Greek, used for prohibitions, questions expecting a negative answer, or conditional clauses.
Crucially, μήτε stands in contrast to οὐδέ (oudé, `{{G3761}}`), which also translates to "neither...nor" or "not even." The distinction lies in their respective root negations: μήτε derives from μή (subjective, volitional, conditional negation), while οὐδέ derives from οὐ (ou, `{{G3756}}`, objective, factual negation). This means μήτε is typically found in contexts of command, prohibition, or where the speaker's will or a hypothetical scenario is involved, whereas οὐδέ is used for objective statements of fact. For example, one might say "Do not steal, μήτε lie" (prohibition), versus "He did not steal, οὐδέ did he lie" (statement of fact). However, the distinction can sometimes blur in Koine Greek, and μήτε can occasionally follow an οὐ clause for rhetorical emphasis, though its core function remains rooted in subjective negation.
Other related concepts include:
* **Exclusion:** The act of setting apart or leaving out.
* **Prohibition:** A command to refrain from an action.
**Universality:** The quality of being applicable to all cases or situations without exception.
* **Emphasis:** The special importance given to something.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μήτε lies in its capacity to convey absolute and comprehensive truths, particularly in the realm of divine commands, promises, and the nature of God's kingdom.
When used in **prohibitions**, μήτε underscores the non-negotiable nature of God's expectations. Jesus' command in [[Matthew 5:34]] regarding swearing, for example, is not merely a suggestion but a categorical exclusion of practices that diminish the sacredness of God's name. This highlights the holiness and authority of God, demanding absolute obedience in specific areas of life.
In **declarations of divine truth or promise**, μήτε emphasizes the completeness and invincibility of God's work. The declaration in [[Romans 8:39]] that "neither height nor depth... shall be able to separate us from the love of God" powerfully articulates the unshakeable security of the believer in Christ. It provides profound assurance, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive power and enduring faithfulness against any conceivable opposition.
Furthermore, μήτε can define the **exclusive nature of spiritual realities or the kingdom of God**. In [[Luke 20:35]], the statement about those in the resurrection neither marrying nor being given in marriage defines a new order of existence distinct from earthly paradigms, emphasizing the radical transformation awaiting believers.
Overall, μήτε serves as a linguistic tool to express the divine will with clarity and force, ensuring that the scope of a command, the breadth of a promise, or the nature of a spiritual reality is understood as absolute and without exception.
### Summary
μήτε (mḗte, `{{G3383}}`) is a Greek conjunction formed from μή (subjective negation) and τέ ("and"). Its core meaning is "neither...nor" or "not even," functioning as a strong, continued negation. It is used to express a comprehensive denial or prohibition of multiple elements, often in contexts of command, subjective assertion, or conditional statements. Unlike οὐδέ (oudé, `{{G3761}}`), which typically follows objective negation, μήτε is rooted in subjective or volitional negation, emphasizing what should not or might not be. In the New Testament, μήτε powerfully conveys the absolute nature of divine commands (e.g., [[Matthew 5:34]]), the comprehensive scope of God's promises and love (e.g., [[Romans 8:39]]), and the exclusive realities of the kingdom of God (e.g., [[Luke 20:35]]). Its theological significance lies in underscoring the non-negotiable nature of God's will and the complete security found in His redemptive plan.
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