μή (mē)
mē
not
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 953 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek particle mē functions as a qualified negation, marking what is thought, willed, or hypothesized rather than stating an objective fact. While the other primary negative word, ou, denies reality absolutely, mē rejects possibilities. This distinction means mē typically appears with non-indicative verb forms, such as commands, wishes, or conditions, reflecting a subjective stance toward the negation.
Its usage is widespread across the Gospels and Epistles, often appearing in prohibitions or conditional clauses. For instance, Jesus uses it to forbid oaths in Matthew 5:34 and to describe hypothetical scenarios where people do not act as expected. It also frequently introduces purpose clauses, as when Paul writes that believers were saved so they would not continue in sin.
This particle carries significant theological weight by framing negation within the realm of human choice and divine instruction. It appears in warnings against false prophets who are not truly known to God (Matthew 7:23) and in exhortations to avoid specific behaviors. By focusing on what ought not to be, mē shapes moral and spiritual boundaries through intention rather than mere description.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word μὴ (mē) in Greek marks a boundary of intention rather than stating a cold fact. While other negatives deny what simply is, this particle addresses what ought not to be, often appearing in commands, warnings, or conditions. It shapes our moral landscape by highlighting choices we are invited to make, framing negation within the realm of human will and divine instruction.
This distinction offers comfort in spiritual discipline. When Jesus says do not swear (Matthew 5:34) or do not worry about tomorrow, He is not merely forbidding actions but inviting a posture of trust. These instructions help us navigate daily life with clarity, focusing on what builds up our faith rather than what distracts from it. The Bible uses this word to guide us toward peace.
Reflecting on these boundaries can bring relief. Instead of feeling burdened by endless rules, we see a framework designed for our good. This particle reminds us that God cares about the motives behind our actions. It invites us to live with integrity, knowing that our choices matter deeply to Him and shape our relationship with others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 953 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- not664×
- Not99×
- except92×
- unless58×
- lest31×
- Surely not31×
- otherwise23×
- Never14×
- surely not10×
- no6×
- surely5×
- nor5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μὴ968×
- μή61×
- μήποτε24×
- Μὴ21×
- μή,8×
- μήπω2×
- μήποτέ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:34
but I tell you, don’t swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;
Jesus uses this negative to prohibit swearing by heaven, shifting focus from ritual vows to truthful character.
-
Matthew 6:13
Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’
This word appears in the Lord's Prayer to ask for protection from temptation, highlighting a desire for spiritual safety rather than a denial of reality.
-
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Here it frames the promise that believers should not perish, emphasizing the intended outcome of faith in Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between μὴ (mē) and οὐ (ou)?
Why does Jesus use this word in the Lord's Prayer?
Where does this word appear most often in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (953 verses across 27 books)
Matthew 124 verses
Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away…
Matthew 1:20But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son…
Matthew 2:12Being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.
Matthew 3:9Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to…
Matthew 3:10Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and…
Matthew 4:6and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels…
Matthew 5:13“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for…
Matthew 5:17“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill.
Matthew 5:18For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke…
Matthew 5:20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter…
Matthew 5:25Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the…
Matthew 5:26Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 5:29If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:34but I tell you, don’t swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;
Matthew 5:39But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:42Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you.
Matthew 6:1“Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from…
Matthew 6:2Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues…
Matthew 6:3But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does,
Matthew 6:7In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much…
Matthew 6:8Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:13Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory…
Matthew 6:15But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:16“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be…
Matthew 6:18so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in…
Matthew 6:19“Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and…
Matthew 6:25Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body,…
Matthew 6:31“Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’
Matthew 6:34Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
Matthew 7:1“Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged.
Matthew 7:6“Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them…
Matthew 7:9Or who is there among you who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
Matthew 7:10Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent?
Matthew 7:19Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Matthew 7:26Everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
Matthew 8:28When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there,…
Matthew 9:15Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will…
Matthew 9:17Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the…
Matthew 9:36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them because they were harassed and scattered, like…
Matthew 10:5Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of…
Matthew 10:9Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts.
Matthew 10:10Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
Matthew 10:13If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.
Matthew 10:14Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.
Matthew 10:19But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you…
Matthew 10:23But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone…
Matthew 10:26Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be…
Matthew 10:28Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy…
Matthew 10:31Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:34“Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword.
Matthew 10:42Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I…
Matthew 11:6Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.”
Matthew 11:23You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom…
Matthew 11:27All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know…
Matthew 12:4how he entered into God’s house and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were…
Matthew 12:16and commanded them that they should not make him known,
Matthew 12:24But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This man does not cast out demons except by Beelzebul, the prince of the…
Matthew 12:29Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man and plunder his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? Then…
Matthew 12:30“He who is not with me is against me, and he who doesn’t gather with me, scatters.
Matthew 12:39But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to it but the…
Matthew 13:5Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no…
Matthew 13:6When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away.
Matthew 13:14In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says, ‘By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand;…
Matthew 13:15for this people’s heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, and they have closed their eyes; or else…
Matthew 13:19When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which…
Matthew 13:29“But he said, ‘No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them.
Matthew 13:57They were offended by him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country and in…
Matthew 14:17They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.”
Matthew 14:27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 15:24But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Matthew 15:32Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have continued with me now…
Matthew 16:4An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the…
Matthew 16:22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you.”
Matthew 16:28Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death until they see the Son of Man…
Matthew 17:7Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”
Matthew 17:8Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.
Matthew 17:21But this kind doesn’t go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Matthew 17:27But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have…
Matthew 18:3and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the…
Matthew 18:10See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of…
Matthew 18:13If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone…
Matthew 18:16But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be…
Matthew 18:25But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and…
Matthew 18:35So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don’t each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds.”
Matthew 19:6So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart.”
Matthew 19:9I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he…
Matthew 19:14But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to…
Matthew 19:17He said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life,…
Matthew 21:19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, “Let there be no fruit…
Matthew 21:21Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done…
Matthew 22:12and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?’ He was speechless.
Matthew 22:23On that day Sadducees (those who say that there is no resurrection) came to him. They asked him,
Matthew 22:24saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up…
Matthew 22:25Now there were with us seven brothers. The first married and died, and having no offspring left his wife to his brother.
Matthew 22:29But Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.
Matthew 23:3All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and…
Matthew 23:8But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
Matthew 23:9Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven.
Matthew 23:23“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier…
Matthew 23:39For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
Matthew 24:2But he answered them, “You see all of these things, don’t you? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here…
Matthew 24:4Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray.
Matthew 24:6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren’t troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not…
Matthew 24:17Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take out the things that are in his house.
Matthew 24:18Let him who is in the field not return back to get his clothes.
Matthew 24:20Pray that your flight will not be in the winter nor on a Sabbath,
Matthew 24:21for then there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever…
Matthew 24:22Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days…
Matthew 24:23“Then if any man tells you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There!’ don’t believe it.
Matthew 24:26“If therefore they tell you, ‘Behold, he is in the wilderness,’ don’t go out; or ‘Behold, he is in the inner rooms,’…
Matthew 24:34Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things are accomplished.
Matthew 24:35Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Matthew 24:36“But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Matthew 25:9But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for…
Matthew 25:29For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who doesn’t have, even that which he…
Matthew 26:5But they said, “Not during the feast, lest a riot occur among the people.”
Matthew 26:29But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with…
Matthew 26:35Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.” All of the disciples also said likewise.
Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:42Again, a second time he went away and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink…
Matthew 27:64Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal…
Matthew 28:5The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
Matthew 28:10Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will…