μηδαμῶς (mēdamōs)
mēdamōs
surely not
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb mēdamōs carries an absolute force, meaning "by no means" or "not at all." It is a strong negation that leaves no room for ambiguity or partial agreement. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the book of Acts, where Peter uses it to express his horrified rejection of something he considers completely unacceptable.
In Acts 10:14 and 11:8, Peter responds to a vision commanding him to eat unclean animals with this emphatic denial. The word underscores his deep-seated adherence to Jewish dietary laws; he is not merely hesitating but stating firmly that such an action is impossible for him under the law as he understands it. This usage highlights the intensity of his initial resistance before divine revelation shifts his perspective.
Etymologically, the term combines a negative particle with a root implying "someone" or "any," effectively meaning "not in any way." Translators typically render it as "by no means" to capture this total negation. Its rarity in Scripture makes each occurrence stand out, marking moments of profound personal conviction or shock.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word μηδαμῶς (mēdamōs) is a powerful negation found only twice in the New Testament, both in Acts. It translates to “by no means” or “not at all,” leaving no room for doubt. Peter uses it when God shows him a vision of unclean animals, firmly rejecting the idea that he would ever eat them. This strong refusal highlights how deeply rooted his religious convictions were at that moment.
For us, this word reminds us that faith often involves letting go of long-held boundaries. Peter’s shock shows that even those close to Jesus had blind spots. God’s grace meets us in those moments of resistance, gently expanding our understanding. When we feel stuck or unsure, we can trust that God is patient with our growth.
This emphatic denial marks a turning point. It was not stubbornness but a necessary step toward seeing God’s plan for all people. We are invited to bring our own firm “no” to God, knowing He can transform it into a deeper “yes.” His love does not reject us for our limits but works within them to reveal more of Himself.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- In no way,2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μηδαμῶς,2×
Key Verses
-
Acts 10:14
But Peter said, “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”
Peter uses this strong negation to express his absolute refusal to eat unclean food, showing the depth of his adherence to Jewish law before understanding God's new direction.
-
Acts 11:8
But I said, ‘Not so, Lord, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.’
In recounting the vision, Peter repeats this emphatic denial to emphasize that he had never previously allowed anything unclean into his mouth, underscoring the significance of the change God initiated.