μηδέ (mēde)
mēde
nor
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 50 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The conjunction mēde functions as a negative connector, translating most often as "nor" or "neither." It extends a prohibition or denial that has already begun, linking clauses that share a common negative force. This usage appears frequently in the Synoptic Gospels, such as when Jesus instructs listeners not to worry about their lives, nor what they will eat (Matthew 6:25), or when he notes that no one can serve two masters, nor can they serve God and money (Matthew 6:24, implied context). It serves as the counterpart to oude, mirroring how mē relates to ou in broader grammatical patterns.
Beyond simple connection, mēde also acts as an intensifier, meaning "not even." This emphatic usage strengthens a statement by excluding even the most extreme possibility. For instance, in Mark 2:2, the text suggests that there was no room left, not even where Jesus stood. Similarly, Paul uses this forceful negation in 1 Corinthians 5:11 to state that one should not associate with anyone claiming to be a brother who is sexually immoral, not even eating with such a person. This dual role allows the word to both list excluded items and heighten the severity of the exclusion.
Its etymological roots combine the negative particle mē with the enclitic de, creating a cohesive unit for continuous negation. Translators must carefully distinguish between its conjunctive use, which links separate clauses, and its adverbial use, which modifies a single noun or phrase to add emphasis. This distinction ensures that the text conveys either a parallel prohibition or an intensified exclusion, preserving the precise logical structure intended by the original authors.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mēde often appears in lists of things we are told not to do, acting as a firm 'nor' that closes off certain paths. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus uses this structure to help us release our anxiety about food and clothing. The logic is simple yet profound: if life is greater than these basic needs, then worrying about them is unnecessary. This word helps us see that God’s provision covers what truly matters, freeing us from the burden of constant fear.
It also serves as an intensifier, meaning 'not even.' In Mark 2:2, it emphasizes that there was no room left, not even around the door. This highlights the overwhelming presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives. When we feel crowded by life’s demands, this word reminds us that God’s peace is not just an absence of trouble, but a substantial reality that fills every space.
Ultimately, mēde guides us toward trust. It tells us what to leave behind—worry, fear, and self-reliance—so we can rest in Christ. By understanding this negative connector, we learn to focus on what God has given rather than what we lack. This brings a quiet confidence to our daily walk, knowing that His presence is sufficient for every moment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 50 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- nor32×
- Neither6×
- nor [call]3×
- neither3×
- Not3×
- not even2×
- not2×
- not even [space]1×
- nor [take]1×
- nor [knowing]1×
- nor [be anxious]1×
- nor [anything]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μηδὲ57×
- μηδ᾽1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
This verse uses the word to extend Jesus' command against anxiety, linking worry about food and clothing to show they are not the basis of our security.
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Mark 2:2
Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them.
Here it acts as an intensifier ('not even'), emphasizing that the crowd was so large there was literally no space around the door, highlighting Jesus' overwhelming presence.
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Luke 14:12
He also said to the one who had invited him, “When you make a dinner or a supper, don’t call your friends, nor your brothers, nor your kinsmen, nor rich neighbors, or perhaps they might also return the favor, and pay you back.
It lists those to exclude from invitations, showing how this word helps define the boundaries of selfless generosity versus social obligation.
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John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
This occurrence pairs with 'neither' to command believers not to let their hearts be troubled or fearful, grounding peace in Christ's specific gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word mēde mean?
How is mēde different from ouk?
Why does Jesus use this word in Matthew 6:25?
Does mēde always mean 'not even'?
Every Occurrence (50 verses across 17 books)
Matthew 8 verses
Therefore 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 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 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 10:14Whoever 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 22:29But Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.
Matthew 23:10Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.
Matthew 24:20Pray that your flight will not be in the winter nor on a Sabbath,