μήτις
mḗtis
G3387
SILEX Entry
Definition
An interrogative particle constructed from a negative element, typically used to expect or imply a negative answer in direct questions. It introduces questions that anticipate the response 'no' or challenge an assertion, expressing uncertainty or doubt concerning the existence or truth of something referenced.
Semantic Range
introduces a question expecting a negative answer, denotes doubt or uncertainty about the existence or truth of something, questions whether anyone/anything exists or has done something, rhetorical negative inquiry
Root / Etymology
Composed of the negative particle μή ('not') and the indefinite pronoun τις ('someone, anyone'), forming an interrogative particle. The construction is a morphological blend typical of Greek interrogative expressions.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μήτις is a post-classical Koine interrogative particle not common in earlier (classical) Greek, where similar expressions relied more frequently on μὴ plus the appropriate interrogative pronoun. In the New Testament and contemporaneous literature, μήτις frequently introduces questions where a negative reply is anticipated, distinguishing it from the particle ἆρα (which is more neutral) or εἰ (which can be more indirect). It is notably more common in the direct discourse of narrative or dialogue, signaling expectation or rhetorical doubt. English translation often leaves μήτις untranslated, or renders it with phrases like 'surely not...?' or 'can it be...?', but these do not always capture the anticipatory negative character of the Greek. In contexts where the existence or presence of 'anyone' or 'anything' is questioned with an implied negation, μήτις serves a discourse function, softening the directness or force of negation compared to absolute negation. Not to be confused with the proper noun Μῆτις (Mêtis, a Greek goddess) or the noun μῆτις meaning 'wisdom' or 'cunning.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μή and τὶς; whether any:--any (sometimes unexpressed except by the simple interrogative form of the sentence).
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.