### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek interrogative particle μήτις (mḗtis, `{{G3387}}`) is a compound formed from the negative particle μή (mḗ, `{{G3361}}`) and the indefinite pronoun τὶς (tis, `{{G5100}}`), meaning "anyone" or "anything." The core meaning of μήτις is "whether anyone" or "surely not...?" It functions primarily to introduce a question that anticipates a negative answer, or expresses doubt, surprise, or a strong implied negative. Unlike questions introduced by οὐ (ou, `{{G3756}}`), which expect an affirmative answer, μήτις signals a rhetorical question designed to elicit a "no" or to underscore the speaker's conviction that the proposition is false. Its semantic range extends to conveying incredulity, challenging an assumption, or ironically posing a question whose answer is self-evident in the negative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of μήτις in the New Testament is varied, often serving as a powerful rhetorical device:
* **Rhetorical Questions Expecting a Negative Answer:** In many instances, μήτις frames a question that is clearly absurd or contrary to common sense, thereby reinforcing a point. For example, in [[Matthew 7:16]], Jesus asks, "Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?" (μήτι συλλέγουσιν ἀπὸ ἀκανθῶν σταφυλὰς ἢ ἀπὸ τριβόλων σῦκα;), a question that obviously expects a "no," emphasizing the principle that one's character is known by their fruit. Similarly, Paul uses it in [[1 Corinthians 1:13]] to highlight the absurdity of division: "Was Paul crucified for you?" (μήτι Παῦλος ἐσταυρώθη ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν;), clearly expecting a negative.
* **Expressing Doubt or Incredulity:** μήτις can also convey a speaker's doubt or surprise, sometimes with a hint of sarcasm or disbelief. In [[John 8:22]], when Jesus speaks of going where they cannot come, the Jews sarcastically ask, "Will he kill himself?" (μήτι ἀποκτενεῖ ἑαυτόν;), expressing their incredulity at his words.
* **Leading to Revelation or Reconsideration:** Perhaps one of the most significant uses is in [[John 4:29]], where the Samaritan woman, after her encounter with Jesus, asks her townspeople, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" (μήτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Χριστός;). While grammatically expecting a negative answer, her tone here suggests a dawning realization or a hopeful, yet still cautious, inquiry that invites her hearers to reconsider their expectations and investigate Jesus's identity. This question, though framed with μήτις, opens the door to faith rather than closing it.
* **Challenging False Assumptions:** Paul frequently employs μήτις to challenge erroneous theological conclusions or misinterpretations of the gospel. In [[Romans 9:6]], he asks, "For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel" (μήτι γὰρ πάντες οἱ ἐξ Ἰσραὴλ οὗτοι Ἰσραήλ;), directly refuting the idea that God's word had failed concerning Israel. In [[Galatians 2:17]], he rhetorically asks if Christ promotes sin (ἄρα Χριστὸς ἁμαρτίας διάκονος; μήτι γένοιτο), using μήτι γένοιτο (may it never be!) as a strong, emphatic denial to a blasphemous implication.
### Related Words & Concepts
μήτις is intrinsically linked to its component parts: μή (mḗ, `{{G3361}}`), the negative particle used in questions expecting a negative answer, and τὶς (tis, `{{G5100}}`), the indefinite pronoun "anyone/anything." Its function contrasts sharply with οὐ (ou, `{{G3756}}`), which introduces questions expecting an affirmative answer. Other related interrogative particles include ἆρα (ara, `{{G686}}`), which introduces a question often with an element of doubt or inference, but without the strong expectation of a negative answer inherent in μήτις. The concept of rhetorical questions, irony, and subtle challenges to prevailing assumptions are all relevant to understanding the nuanced usage of μήτις.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μήτις lies primarily in its role as a rhetorical tool employed by biblical authors, particularly in the Gospels and Pauline epistles, to:
* **Clarify and Affirm Truth:** By posing a question that demands a negative response, μήτις often serves to highlight the logical absurdity of a false premise, thereby reinforcing the truth being presented. This is crucial in theological discourse, where precise understanding of doctrine is paramount.
* **Expose Error and Challenge Misconceptions:** In polemical or didactic contexts, μήτις is used to expose the flawed reasoning or unbiblical assumptions of opponents or confused believers. It forces the audience to confront the implications of their beliefs, leading them toward a more accurate understanding of God's character, His plan, or the nature of salvation.
* **Invite Deeper Inquiry:** As seen in [[John 4:29]], μήτις can, in certain contexts, transcend a mere rhetorical denial to become an invitation for deeper spiritual inquiry. The Samaritan woman's question, while grammatically expecting a negative, acts as a catalyst for the town's investigation into Jesus's identity, leading many to faith. This demonstrates how even a question framed with doubt can be a pathway to revelation.
* **Emphasize Divine Providence and Human Responsibility:** In passages where μήτις challenges the idea of God's word failing or Christ promoting sin, it underscores the steadfastness of God's covenant and the purity of His redemptive work, while simultaneously calling believers to a proper understanding of their own walk in faith.
### Summary
μήτις (mḗtis, `{{G3387}}`) is a significant Greek interrogative particle, formed from μή (mḗ, `{{G3361}}`) and τὶς (tis, `{{G5100}}`). Its primary function is to introduce questions that anticipate a negative answer, conveying doubt, surprise, or a strong implied denial. In biblical contexts, μήτις is a powerful rhetorical device used to clarify theological truths by refuting false premises, expose errors in understanding, or challenge prevailing assumptions. While often signaling an expected "no," its usage in specific instances, such as the Samaritan woman's query in [[John 4:29]], can also serve as a profound invitation for spiritual inquiry and a catalyst for revelation, guiding the reader or listener toward a deeper understanding of God's truth and the person of Christ. Its presence in a passage often signals a critical point where an important theological distinction is being made or a common misconception is being directly addressed.
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