### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word οὐχί (ouchí, `{{G3780}}`) is an intensified form of the common negative particle οὐ (ou, `{{G3756}}`). While οὐ simply denotes a factual or objective negation ("not"), οὐχί adds a distinct emphasis, conveying a stronger, more emphatic denial or assertion. Its semantic range includes expressions like "not indeed," "nay," "surely not," "by no means," or "absolutely not." It often introduces a question that expects a negative answer, or conversely, a rhetorical question that strongly implies an affirmative answer, expressing surprise, indignation, or a firm rebuttal. The addition of the iota (ι) at the end serves to strengthen the negation, making it more forceful and definitive than a simple οὐ.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
οὐχί appears frequently in the New Testament, often in contexts demanding a strong emphasis on negation or affirmation.
In Luke's Gospel, we see its use in emphatic denials:
* In the naming of John the Baptist, when relatives suggest a name from the family, Elizabeth firmly states, "Not so; but he shall be called John" ([[Luke 1:60]], οὐχί, ἀλλὰ κληθήσεται Ἰωάννης). Here, οὐχί underscores the absolute certainty of God's instruction regarding the child's name, overriding human tradition.
* Jesus uses οὐχί to correct a common misconception about His mission: "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division" ([[Luke 12:51]], οὐχί, ἀλλ᾽ ἢ διαμερισμόν). The emphatic "Nay" highlights the surprising and often challenging nature of His kingdom.
In Paul's epistles, οὐχί serves to powerfully exclude or affirm:
* In Romans, Paul uses it to emphatically dismiss human boasting: "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith" ([[Romans 3:27]], οὐχί, ἀλλὰ διὰ νόμου πίστεως). The οὐχί here is crucial for understanding the radical nature of justification by faith apart from works.
* Paul employs οὐχί in a series of rhetorical questions in [[1 Corinthians 9:1]]: "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?" (οὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος; οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐλεύθερος; οὐχὶ Ἰησοῦν τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν ἑόρακα; οὐ τὸ ἔργον μου ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν κυρίῳ;). The use of οὐχί in "have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?" strongly asserts his direct encounter with Christ, a foundational claim to his apostleship, leaving no room for doubt.
Other notable instances include:
* In [[Matthew 13:27]], the servants question the master, "Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?" (οὐχὶ καλὸν σπέρμα ἔσπειρας ἐν τῷ σῷ ἀγρῷ;). The οὐχί here expresses their surprise and disbelief at the presence of weeds, given the good seed sown.
* Judas's question to Jesus, "Is it I, Master?" ([[Matthew 26:25]], οὐχὶ ἐγώ εἰμι, ῥαββί;), though rhetorical, uses the emphatic form, perhaps highlighting his feigned innocence or the weight of the accusation.
### Related Words & Concepts
οὐχί is intimately related to its root word, οὐ (ou, `{{G3756}}`). While οὐ is the standard objective negative, οὐχί intensifies this negation, often carrying an emotional or rhetorical charge. It stands in contrast to μή (mē, `{{G3361}}`), the other primary Greek negative particle, which is used for subjective negation (e.g., prohibitions, hypothetical conditions, expressing a wish). οὐχί, like οὐ, deals with factual or objective denials, but with added force.
The concept of emphasis is key to understanding οὐχί. It serves to underscore the certainty or finality of a statement, whether it be a denial, a command, or a rhetorical question designed to elicit a particular response. Its use highlights the speaker's conviction and leaves little room for ambiguity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of οὐχί lies in its emphatic nature, which serves to underscore divine truth, authority, and clarity.
1. **Divine Authority and Certainty**: When God or Christ uses οὐχί, it leaves no doubt about the absolute truth and unchangeable nature of their declarations. It reinforces the definitiveness of divine revelation and commands, allowing no room for human equivocation or alternative interpretations. Jesus's "Nay" in [[Luke 12:51]] is not merely a denial but a forceful assertion of the true, challenging nature of His kingdom.
2. **Correction of Misconceptions and Rejection of Error**: οὐχί is frequently employed to correct human error, false assumptions, or to express God's firm rejection of certain behaviors or beliefs. It highlights the stark contrast between divine truth and human misunderstanding, emphasizing the need for alignment with God's revealed will. Paul's use in [[Romans 3:27]] emphatically shuts down any notion of human boasting in salvation, directing all glory to God through faith.
3. **Strong Affirmation through Rhetorical Question**: When οὐχί introduces a rhetorical question expecting an affirmative answer (as in [[1 Corinthians 9:1]]), it serves as a powerful means of asserting a truth or a claim. This can be a way of establishing divine prerogatives, confirming the identity or authority of a person, or reminding the audience of an undeniable reality, compelling them towards agreement.
### Summary
οὐχί (ouchí, `{{G3780}}`) is an intensified form of the Greek negative οὐ (`{{G3756}}`), conveying a strong, emphatic negation. It is translated as "not indeed," "nay," or "surely not," and is frequently used in rhetorical questions to express surprise, disbelief, or to powerfully affirm an expected truth. Theologically, its emphatic nature underscores divine authority and certainty, serves to correct human misconceptions, and provides a forceful means of affirmation, leaving no room for doubt concerning divine declarations or the realities of faith.
TRV