μή
mḗ
G3361 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
A particle expressing qualified negation, typically implying subjective, potential, or contingent non-occurrence rather than categorical denial. Used primarily to negate verbs in contexts of wish, exhortation, command, or potentiality; may also introduce prohibitions or warn against possible outcomes. Functions within a variety of moods (especially subjunctive and optative), as well as in dependent clauses (such as purpose, result, fear, or condition). In interrogatives, often suggests a negative answer. In some constructions (e.g., μὴ οὐ), may reinforce or nuance the negation. Frequently appears in compounds or expressions (e.g., ἐὰν μή 'unless', ἵνα μή 'in order that not').
Semantic Range
qualified negation (subjective, contingent, potential 'not'), prohibition ('do not'), prevention ('lest'), negative response in interrogatives ('surely not?'), negative condition ('unless'), expressing negative wish or desire ('may it not happen'), negative result or purpose ('so that... not')
Root / Etymology
Primitive Greek negative particle, with no certain Indo-European cognate—distinguished from οὐ (absolute negation). Related forms include μήτε ('nor', 'neither') and various compounds.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μή contrasts with οὐ, the other principal Greek negative; whereas οὐ denies fact or reality objectively, μή generally denies the possibility, intention, or desire for something subjectively or in the realm of contingency. Its primary sphere is the subjunctive and optative moods (potential or hypothetical statements), imperatives (commands), and infinitives in certain constructions (e.g., after verbs of command or preference). μή is not typically used to negate straightforward declarative statements (where οὐ is used). In the Septuagint and New Testament, μή retains the essential force it had in classical Greek, though its use may broaden or contract in various syntactic constructions. Standard English translations often obscure the distinction between μή and οὐ, rendering both as 'not' or using context-dependent alternatives such as 'lest', 'never', or 'no'. In idiomatic expressions, μή may contribute to senses not easily reflected in English (e.g., μήποτε 'lest', 'perhaps not'). Its usage shapes the nuance of commands, warnings, wishes, and conditions, especially in legal, ethical, and didactic literature.
Translation Consistency
μὴ is primarily a negative particle expressing qualified or potential negation and prohibitions. The single-word English adverb “not” is the most natural, flexible, and consistent rendering across its typical uses (negative statements, prohibitions “do not,” negative purpose/condition “so that…not,” negative wish/interrogative). Less common senses (e.g., “lest”) are rarer and can be handled by context-specific phrasing, while “not” provides the simplest uniform base form for all occurrences.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas οὐ expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas οὐ expects an affirmative one)) whether:--any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. See also ἐὰν μή, ἵνα μή, οὐ μή, μῆκος, μηκύνω, μήν, μὴ οὐκ.
Root Family
μή- (mḗ) — to negate (in non-indicative or contingent situations), to forbid, to express wish that something not occur
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3361-01 |
μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) | 1041 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1041 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3361-01 |
Matthew 1:19 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 1:20 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 2:12 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 3:9 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 3:10 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 5:13 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 5:17 | μὴ | me | ADV |
Do not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 5:18 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 5:20 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 5:20 | μὴ | me-2 | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 5:26 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 5:29 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 5:30 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 5:34 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 5:39 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 5:42 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:1 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:1 | μή | me-2 | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:2 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:3 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:7 | μὴ | me | ADV |
do not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:8 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:13 | μὴ | me | PART |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:15 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:16 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:18 | μὴ | me | PART |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:19 | μὴ | me | ADV |
Do not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:25 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:31 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 6:34 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 7:1 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 7:1 | μὴ | me-2 | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 7:6 | μὴ | me | ADV |
Do not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 7:9 | μὴ | me | T |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 7:10 | μὴ | me | T |
will he | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 7:19 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 7:26 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 8:28 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 9:15 | μὴ | me | T |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 9:17 | μή | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 9:36 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 10:5 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 10:5 | μὴ | me-2 | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 10:9 | μὴ | me | ADV |
Do not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 10:10 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 10:13 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 10:14 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 10:19 | μὴ | me | ADV |
do not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 10:23 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |
G3361-01 |
Matthew 10:26 | μὴ | me | ADV |
not | not (contingently) | not (contingently) |