### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ouchí**, represented by `{{G3780}}`, is an intensive form of negation, translating to **not indeed** or **nay**. It appears 56 times across 54 unique verses in the Bible, often used to add emphasis to a denial or to pose a rhetorical question that expects an affirmative answer.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3780}}` is frequently employed to challenge an audience's assumptions or to strongly assert a point. It is often found in rhetorical questions that reinforce a known truth, such as in Jesus' teaching, "Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" [[Matthew 6:25]]. Similarly, the author of Hebrews asks, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" [[Hebrews 1:14]]. The word is also used as a direct and forceful "Nay" to correct a misunderstanding or to deliver a stark warning, as when Jesus says, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" [[Luke 13:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the nuances of negation and affirmation in Greek:
* `{{G3756}}` **ou** (no or not): This is the absolute negative adverb and the root of `{{G3780}}`. It states a factual denial, as when Paul writes that a Christian's labor "is not in vain in the Lord" [[1 Corinthians 15:58]].
* `{{G3361}}` **mḗ** (not, lest): This is a particle of qualified negation, distinct from the absolute denial of `{{G3756}}`. It is often used in commands or conditional statements, such as "be not conformed to this world" [[Romans 12:2]].
* `{{G3366}}` **mēdé** (nor, not even): This word functions as a continued negation. It is used to connect and extend a negative thought, as in the command to "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world" [[1 John 2:15]].
* `{{G3483}}` **naí** (yes, yea): As the opposite of negation, this is a particle of strong affirmation. It is used to confirm a statement, such as when all the promises of God are described as "yea, and in him Amen" [[2 Corinthians 1:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3780}}` lies in its power to clarify and intensify divine truth.
* **Affirming Core Doctrine:** The word is used in questions to establish undeniable truths about God and His creation. Paul asks, "hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" [[1 Corinthians 1:20]], and later uses it to argue for God's supreme generosity [[Romans 8:32]].
* **Correcting Falsehood:** It serves as a sharp corrective. When asked if boasting is excluded by the law of works, the answer is a decisive "Nay: but by the law of faith" [[Romans 3:27]], shifting the basis of righteousness from human effort to divine grace.
* **Issuing a Call to Action:** `{{G3780}}` is used to confront complacency and demand a response. Jesus uses "Nay" to underscore the urgent need for repentance ([[Luke 13:3]], [[Luke 13:5]]), while Paul uses it to rebuke the Corinthian church for their pride instead of mourning over sin [[1 Corinthians 5:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3780}}` is more than a simple negative particle. It functions as a powerful rhetorical tool to frame an argument, correct a false premise, or emphasize a crucial point. Whether used in a question that demands agreement or as a direct "Nay," **ouchí** serves to sharpen the focus of a passage, forcing the reader to confront a truth with clarity and conviction.
TRV