probably from μένω; remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere:--alone, only, by themselves.
Transliteration:mónos
Pronunciation:mon'-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G3441 (μόνος, *mónos*) carries the primary meaning of "remaining, i.e., sole or single." Its etymological root is likely from μένω (menō, `{{G3306}}`), "to remain" or "to abide," which reinforces the idea of being left alone or existing uniquely. The semantic range of mónos encompasses several related concepts:
1. **Singularity/Uniqueness:** Denoting that something is one of a kind, unparalleled, or without peer. This is often applied to God.
2. **Exclusivity:** Implying that something applies to or is done by only one entity, excluding all others. For instance, "only God" can do something.
3. **Isolation/Solitude:** Referring to the state of being alone, separated from others, whether by choice or circumstance.
4. **Mere/Solely:** Used to emphasize that something is *only* a particular thing, no more and no less, or that an action is performed *solely* by one means.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word mónos appears frequently in the New Testament, often with significant theological implications.
In relation to God, mónos consistently highlights His unique nature and sovereignty:
* [[Luke 5:21]] asks, "Who can forgive sins but God alone (mónos)?" This emphasizes God's exclusive prerogative in salvation.
* [[John 5:44]] speaks of "the glory that comes from the only (mónos) God," contrasting it with human praise.
* [[Romans 16:27]] attributes wisdom "to the only (mónos) wise God."
* [[1 Timothy 1:17]] extols "the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone (mónos) is wise."
* [[1 Timothy 6:15-16]] describes God as "the blessed and only (mónos) Sovereign" and declares that He "alone (mónos) has immortality."
* [[Jude 1:25]] offers doxology "to the only (mónos) God, our Savior." These passages collectively underscore God's absolute uniqueness, wisdom, power, and authority as the sole deity worthy of worship.
When applied to Jesus, mónos can emphasize His unique relationship with the Father or His solitary experience:
* [[John 8:16]] and [[John 8:29]] record Jesus' assertion, "I am not alone (mónos), but I and the Father who sent me," and "He has not left me alone (mónos), for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." These verses highlight the profound, unbroken communion between the Father and the Son, even when Jesus appears physically isolated.
* [[John 16:32]] predicts the disciples' scattering: "Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone (mónos)." Here, mónos describes Jesus' impending abandonment by His disciples, a moment of profound solitude.
* [[Jude 1:4]] refers to "our only (mónos) Master and Lord, Jesus Christ," emphasizing His unique position of authority.
In other contexts, mónos can denote isolation or exclusivity:
* [[Matthew 4:4]] (and [[Luke 4:4]]), quoting Deuteronomy, states, "Man shall not live by bread alone (mónos), but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." This highlights that physical sustenance is insufficient for true life; spiritual nourishment is also essential.
* [[Matthew 14:23]] and [[Mark 6:47]] describe Jesus going to the mountain "alone (mónos)" to pray, illustrating His practice of solitude for communion with the Father.
* [[Matthew 17:8]] recounts the disciples seeing "no one but Jesus only (mónos)" after the Transfiguration, emphasizing His singular presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological connection of mónos to μένω (menō, `{{G3306}}`, "to remain, abide") suggests a core idea of being left or existing in a singular state.
While mónos refers to being "alone" or "only," it differs from εἷς (heis, `{{G1520}}`, "one"). Heis emphasizes numerical unity or a single item, whereas mónos stresses exclusivity, uniqueness, or separation from others. For example, heis might mean "one God" in a numerical sense, while mónos implies "God alone" in terms of His incomparable nature and unique authority.
Concepts related to mónos include:
* **Singularity:** The state of being unique or one of a kind.
* **Exclusivity:** The condition of being limited to one person, group, or domain.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's absolute and unique rule over all creation.
* **Monotheism:** The belief in one God, a concept profoundly reinforced by the use of mónos for God.
* **Solitude:** The state of being alone, which can be physical or spiritual.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of mónos is immense, particularly in its application to God. It serves as a foundational linguistic pillar for:
1. **The Uniqueness of God:** The consistent use of mónos to describe God (e.g., "the only wise God," "the only Sovereign") establishes His absolute singularity and incomparability. He is not merely *a* god among many, but the *only* God, distinct in His nature, power, and wisdom. This reinforces the biblical insistence on monotheism and the exclusive worship due to Him.
2. **Divine Authority and Prerogative:** When the New Testament states that "God alone" can forgive sins or has immortality, it underscores His unique authority and His exclusive right to certain actions and attributes. This has profound implications for understanding salvation and divine judgment.
3. **Christological Distinction and Communion:** While Jesus is described as "alone" in moments of physical solitude, His emphasis that "I am not alone, but I and the Father who sent me" ([[John 8:16]]) reveals the unbreakable, eternal communion within the Godhead. The application of mónos to Christ as "only Master and Lord" ([[Jude 1:4]]) also speaks to His unique authority and position.
4. **The Human Condition and Dependence:** The phrase "man shall not live by bread alone" ([[Matthew 4:4]]) broadens the scope of human need beyond the physical, highlighting a fundamental dependence on God's word for true life. It also can describe the human experience of isolation, which, for believers, often serves as a context for deeper reliance on God.
### Summary
The Greek word G3441 (μόνος, *mónos*) signifies "sole," "single," "alone," or "only." Its usage in the New Testament is deeply significant, especially in theological contexts. Primarily, mónos accentuates the absolute uniqueness, sovereignty, and incomparable nature of God, solidifying the monotheistic framework of biblical faith. It also illuminates Christ's intimate communion with the Father, even in moments of earthly solitude, and underscores His unique authority. Furthermore, mónos can describe the human state of isolation or emphasize the exclusive necessity of spiritual sustenance over mere physical provision. Thus, mónos moves beyond a simple numerical count to convey profound qualitative distinctions and absolute exclusivity in the divine and human realms.
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