μήτε (mēte)
mēte
neither
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word mēte functions as a negative conjunction meaning "neither." It appears in sixteen verses, primarily within the Gospels and Acts, where it links two or more items to exclude them all simultaneously. The sources note its frequent pairing with another "mē" (or mēde) to form the structure "not... neither... nor," as seen in Matthew 5:34 and 36, where Jesus prohibits swearing by various elements of creation.
Etymologically, it combines the negative particle mē with te ("and"). This distinguishes it from ou te (oude), which uses the factual negation ou. Because mēte relies on the subjunctive or optative mood markers, it typically appears in contexts involving potentiality, command, or wish rather than simple statement of fact. For instance, in Acts 23:12 and 21, it describes a vow to eat nothing until action is taken, highlighting its role in prohibitions.
Translators consistently render this term as "neither" when coordinating negative clauses. Its presence signals that the speaker intends to shut down multiple possibilities at once. In Luke 7:33 and Matthew 11:18, it contrasts the behaviors of John the Baptist and Jesus against the reactions of the people, emphasizing that neither figure fits the expected mold.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mēte helps us understand how Scripture draws clear boundaries around our speech and actions. When Jesus uses it in Matthew 5, He is not just listing rules but showing that God’s truth stands above all human shortcuts. We do not need to swear by heaven, earth, or even our own heads to prove we are honest. Our character should be so steady that a simple yes or no carries full weight.
Similarly, when the Bible uses this word to describe situations where hope seems lost, like Paul’s storm-tossed ship in Acts 27, it reminds us that God’s presence does not depend on favorable circumstances. Even when neither sun nor stars shine, we are still held by Him. This conjunction teaches us to look beyond immediate conditions and trust the One who remains constant.
Using mēte in our reading invites us to examine where we might be adding unnecessary layers to our faith. Do we feel compelled to prove ourselves through elaborate vows or dramatic gestures? Or can we rest in the simplicity of truth? This word points us toward a faith that is grounded, clear, and free from the need for external validation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- nor18×
- neither7×
- nor [swear]2×
- nor [swear by]2×
- nor [to be]1×
- neither [to be]1×
- neither [swear]1×
- neither [swear by]1×
- Neither1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μήτε34×
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 conjunction to exclude swearing by heaven, showing that God’s throne makes any human oath unnecessary.
-
Acts 27:20
When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away.
The phrase 'neither sun nor stars' highlights the depth of despair during the storm, emphasizing that hope was gone yet God remained in control.
-
Hebrews 7:3
without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually.
Describing Melchizedek as having neither beginning of days nor end of life underscores his role as a type of Christ’s eternal priesthood.
-
Acts 23:12
When it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.
The conspirators’ vow to eat or drink nothing until Paul is dead shows the extreme lengths people will go to when driven by hatred rather than justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mēte mean in the New Testament?
How is mēte different from ou?
Why does Jesus use 'neither' in Matthew 5?
Where else does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 4 verses
but I tell you, don’t swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;
Matthew 5:35nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Matthew 5:36Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can’t make one hair white or black.
Matthew 11:18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’