← G3382 G3384 →

μήτε

mḗte

G3383 correlative conjunction

SILEX Entry

Root μη-, τε- not, nor, neither, and

Definition

A conjunction used to continue or extend a negation, meaning 'neither' or 'nor'; it connects two or more negative terms or clauses, signifying that each term specified is included in the negation. It may also reinforce the scope of negation, as in 'not even' or 'nor yet.'

Semantic Range

neither, nor, not even, nor yet, and not, as part of continued negative clauses

Root / Etymology

Composed of μή (a marker of negation, primarily with non-indicative moods expressing prohibition, denial, or subjective negation) and τέ (a connective particle, usually meaning 'and' or 'also'). The combination forms a coordinating conjunction used for joining negative or prohibited items, actions, or concepts.

Historical & Contextual Notes

μήτε is found primarily in Koine and later Greek as the standard negative conjunction linking two or more terms in parallel constructions under a continued negation. While οὐδέ functions similarly, μήτε is most frequently used in non-indicative moods (especially with subjunctive, imperative, infinitive), in hypothetical or volitional contexts, or within prohibitions. μήτε is distinct from simple μή as it always operates alongside other negatives, creating coordinated negative statements rather than single prohibitions. In the Septuagint and NT, its function is consistent with broader Koine Greek—often following μή in initial position ("μηδέ ... μητε ... μητε"), but also independently in lists. English translations typically render μήτε as "neither" or "nor," but this sometimes obscures its specific negative or prohibitive force in Greek syntax. Unlike classical Greek, where connective nuances may be subtler, NT and LXX writers employ μήτε to ensure clarity in prohibition or exclusion of multiple elements.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μή and τέ; not too, i.e. (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even:--neither, (n-)or, so as much.

Root Family

μήτε (mēte) — neither, nor, not even, and not

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3383-01 μήτε mete PART nor nor nor 34

Occurrences in Scripture

34 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3383-01 Matthew 5:34 μήτε mete PART neither nor nor
G3383-01 Matthew 5:35 μήτε mete CONJ.C nor nor nor
G3383-01 Matthew 5:35 μήτε mete-2 CONJ.C nor nor nor
G3383-01 Matthew 5:36 μήτε mete CONJ.C nor nor nor
G3383-01 Matthew 11:18 μήτε mete PART neither nor neither
G3383-01 Matthew 11:18 μήτε mete-2 CONJ.C nor nor nor
G3383-01 Luke 7:33 μήτε mete CONJ.C nor nor nor
G3383-01 Luke 9:3 μήτε mete PART neither nor nor
G3383-01 Luke 9:3 μήτε mete-2 CONJ.C nor nor nor
G3383-01 Luke 9:3 μήτε mete-3 CONJ.C nor nor nor
← G3382 Greek Lexicon G3384 →