μηδείς (mēdeis)
mēdeis
nothing
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 89 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word mēdeis functions as a strict negative pronoun meaning "no one," "nothing," or "none." It is formed by combining the negative particle mē with heis ("one"), creating an emphatic denial that goes beyond simple negation. In the New Testament, it appears in 89 verses, with a notable concentration in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, as well as in Acts.
Its usage often carries absolute force, excluding any possibility or exception. For example, Jesus commands those he heals to tell no one about his miracles (Mark 5:43; Matthew 16:20), using mēdeis to establish a complete silence. In Acts, Peter uses it to describe the early church's communal life, stating that believers had "nothing" of their own in private possession (Acts 4:34-35 contextually, though the specific form appears in Acts 8:24 regarding Simon). The neuter form, mēden, frequently appears as an adverb meaning "in no respect" or "by no means," as when Peter is told not to call anything unclean (Acts 10:20).
A distinctive feature of mēdeis is its role in double negatives for emphasis. In Mark 11:14, Jesus curses the fig tree so that no one may eat fruit from it ever again, using mēdeis with another negative to reinforce the permanence of the judgment. This grammatical strength makes it a powerful tool for apostolic instruction, such as Paul’s warning that no one should deceive himself (Galatians 6:3). The word underscores the totality of divine commands and human limitations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word μηδείς carries a weight of absolute finality. It does not simply say 'no' but closes every door, leaving no room for exception or loophole. When Jesus uses it to command silence after a miracle, He is not merely asking for privacy; He is setting a boundary that demands total obedience. This teaches us that some seasons of life require us to hold our stories close, trusting God with the timing rather than seeking immediate validation from others.
In daily living, this emphasis on 'nothing' or 'no one' challenges our tendency to hoard control or credit. It invites a posture of humble dependence, where we acknowledge that no single person holds the power to define our worth or our future. By releasing the need to be known by everyone or to possess everything, we find freedom in the sufficiency of God’s provision and presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 89 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- nothing29×
- no one17×
- No one8×
- to no one6×
- not one5×
- no4×
- Nothing4×
- not3×
- To no one3×
- in nothing2×
- to none1×
- to no1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μηδὲν35×
- μηδενὶ21×
- μηδεὶς10×
- μηδένα9×
- μηδεμίαν7×
- μηδενὸς3×
- Μηδεὶς3×
- μηδείς2×
- μηθὲν1×
- μηδέν,1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 5:43
He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to her to eat.
Jesus uses this strict negative to enforce immediate silence after a resurrection, showing that divine power often requires quiet trust before public announcement.
-
Mark 11:14
Jesus told it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” and his disciples heard it.
The curse on the fig tree employs this word to establish an absolute and permanent judgment, highlighting the seriousness of spiritual fruitfulness.
-
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
Here it describes lending with no expectation of return, illustrating a radical generosity that mirrors God’s kindness to the unthankful.
-
Matthew 16:20
Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.
Jesus commands the disciples not to tell anyone He is the Christ, indicating that His identity must unfold according to God's timeline rather than human hype.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does μηδείς mean in the New Testament?
Why does Jesus use such strong language in the Gospels?
How is this word different from other Greek words for 'no'?
Every Occurrence (89 verses across 22 books)
Matthew 5 verses
Jesus said to him, “See that you tell nobody; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses…
Matthew 9:30Then their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, “See that no one knows about this.”
Matthew 16:20Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.
Matthew 17:9As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the…
Matthew 27:19While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man,…