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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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}}`.
TRV