The Greek word nḗ, represented by G3513, is a particle of attestation used for strong confirmation. Its base definition indicates it is used to mean "I protest by" or "as sure as," invoking an object to confirm a statement. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse, highlighting its specific and emphatic function.
The sole appearance of G3513 is in 1 Corinthians 15:31, where the Apostle Paul uses it to make a powerful declaration. He writes, "I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily" 1 Corinthians 15:31. In this context, G3513 functions as a solemn oath or attestation. Paul invokes the Corinthians' own rejoicing—a joy he shares and has G2192 in Christ Jesus—as the unshakeable proof for the truth of his statement about daily dying to self.
Several related words from its single context help clarify the meaning and gravity of Paul's attestation:
- G2746 kaúchēsis (boasting, glorying, rejoicing): This is the object of the attestation. Paul swears by the rejoicing he has in the Corinthians, grounding his solemn statement in a shared spiritual reality 1 Corinthians 15:31. The term is also used for glorying through Jesus Christ Romans 15:17.
- G599 apothnḗskō (to die off): This defines the action Paul is attesting to. His declaration "I die daily" is the core of the protestation, signifying a continual, figurative death to self 1 Corinthians 15:31. This same word describes how Christ died for sinners Romans 5:8.
- G2962 kýrios (Lord): The rejoicing Paul invokes is found "in Christ Jesus our Lord," indicating that the ultimate authority and context for this oath is the supreme authority of the Lord himself 1 Corinthians 15:31. He is the Lord who knows those who are His 2 Timothy 2:19.
- G2250 hēméra (day): Used in the phrase "daily," this word emphasizes the constant, ongoing nature of Paul's sacrifice. He doesn't just die once, but every day 1 Corinthians 15:31.
The theological weight of G3513 is derived entirely from its single, emphatic use.
- Solemn Apostolic Testimony: By employing a particle of protestation, Paul elevates his statement beyond a simple description. He is making a solemn oath to underscore the absolute reality of his daily "death" for the sake of the gospel.
- Christ-Centered Truth: The oath is not made by a worldly object but "by your rejoicing" G2746 which he has G2192 in G1722 Christ G5547 Jesus. This grounds the truth of his lived experience in the objective work of Christ in the lives of the believers.
- The Doctrine of Dying Daily: The statement "I die G599 daily" is a profound theological concept. The use of G3513 gives this claim immense weight, presenting the continual sacrifice of the Christian life not as a mere metaphor, but as a sworn reality for the apostle.
In summary, nḗ G3513 is a rare Greek particle that carries significant force in its single scriptural appearance. It functions as a solemn protestation, "as sure as," used to attest to a profound truth. Its use in 1 Corinthians 15:31 lends an unshakeable certainty to Paul's statement about dying daily, grounding the reality of his apostolic suffering in the shared joy that believers have in their Lord G2962, Jesus G2424 Christ G5547.
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