probably an intensive form of ναί; a particle of attestation (accompanied by the object invoked or appealed to in confirmation); as sure as:--I protest by.
Transliteration:nḗ
Pronunciation:nay
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek particle νή (`{{G3513}}`) functions primarily as a particle of attestation, conveying a strong affirmation or solemn protestation. It is understood as an intensive form of ναί (`{{G3588}}`), which means "yes" or "indeed." Unlike a simple affirmative, νή introduces a statement with the weight of an oath or a deeply held conviction, often accompanied by the object or person invoked to confirm the truth of the assertion. Its semantic range thus encompasses expressions like "as sure as," "truly by," or "I protest by," indicating a profound commitment to the veracity of the accompanying statement. It serves to emphasize the certainty and solemnity of the speaker's declaration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The particle νή (`{{G3513}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians: "I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily" ([[1 Corinthians 15:31]]). This solitary occurrence is highly significant due to its placement within Paul's profound discourse on the resurrection of the dead. In this passage, Paul is vehemently defending the reality of the resurrection against those who denied it. To underscore the absolute certainty and personal cost of his conviction, he employs νή. By invoking the Corinthians' "rejoicing" (or "boasting") in Christ as the basis for his affirmation, Paul links the truth of his statement ("I die daily") directly to their shared spiritual experience and his apostolic joy in them. This is not a casual remark but a solemn declaration, akin to an oath, emphasizing the profound reality of his continuous self-sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel, a life lived in anticipation and affirmation of the resurrection. The use of νή here powerfully reinforces the gravity and irrefutable truth of Paul's witness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is ναί (`{{G3588}}`), from which νή (`{{G3513}}`) is believed to be an intensive form. While ναί simply means "yes" or "truly," νή elevates this affirmation to a more solemn or oath-like declaration. Conceptually, νή aligns with the broader biblical theme of oaths and solemn affirmations, such as those expressed by ὄμνυμι (`{{G3660}}`, "to swear") or ὅρκος (`{{G3727}}`, "an oath"). In the Old Testament, the phrase "As the Lord lives" (e.g., [[1 Samuel 14:39]]) serves a similar function of solemn attestation. Paul's use of νή also reflects his characteristic rhetorical style, where he frequently employs strong personal declarations and appeals to his own life and suffering to validate the truth of his message (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 11:23-28]]). The particle underscores the deep conviction and unwavering commitment that undergirded the apostolic proclamation of the Gospel.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological significance of νή (`{{G3513}}`) in [[1 Corinthians 15:31]] is substantial. It highlights the *certainty* and *unwavering conviction* with which Paul preached the resurrection. The solemnity conveyed by νή underscores that the resurrection is not merely a theological proposition but a foundational truth for which Paul was willing to "die daily"—a metaphor for continuous self-denial, suffering, and facing death for Christ's sake. The particle connects the lived reality of Christian suffering and martyrdom directly to the absolute certainty of the resurrection. Paul's use of νή makes his statement about daily dying an emphatic, almost sworn, testimony to the power of the resurrection, which both necessitates and validates such a costly life. It reflects the earnestness of the apostolic witness, grounded in an unshakeable belief in the core tenets of the faith.
### Summary
The Greek particle νή (`{{G3513}}`) is a rare but potent word, serving as an intensive particle of attestation, akin to a solemn oath or strong protestation. Its sole appearance in the New Testament in [[1 Corinthians 15:31]] is profoundly significant, where Paul uses it to underscore the absolute certainty and personal cost of his conviction regarding the resurrection. By invoking the Corinthians' spiritual joy, Paul imparts a deep solemnity to his declaration of "dying daily," linking his suffering to the undeniable truth of the Gospel. Thus, νή conveys not just affirmation, but a profound and unwavering conviction in the truth being proclaimed, emphasizing the gravity and certainty of the apostolic message.
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