μόνος (monos)
monos
alone
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 111 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word monos describes something that is alone, solitary, or single. In the New Testament it often highlights physical isolation, such as when Jesus withdraws to a mountain by himself (Matthew 14:23) or goes off privately with just Peter, James, and John (Mark 9:2). It can also convey a sense of being forsaken or destitute of help, emphasizing the vulnerability of a person standing without companions.
Beyond physical solitude, monos carries the meaning of "only" or "sole." This usage appears frequently in titles for God, such as "the only God" (John 17:3; 1 Timothy 1:17), stressing His unique identity. The neuter form monon functions as an adverb meaning "only" or "merely," often limiting the scope of an action or statement. For instance, Jesus tells Jairus not to fear, only to believe (Mark 5:36), narrowing his focus to faith rather than panic.
Translators render monos variously as "alone," "only," or "by themselves" depending on context. The sources note its use in phrases like "not only... but also" (Acts 19:26) and "by themselves" (Mark 9:2), showing its flexibility in defining exclusivity or singularity. This word helps clarify whether a subject is physically isolated or uniquely identified.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word monos often brings to mind isolation or being left out, but in Scripture it frequently points to a profound exclusivity and focus. When Jesus tells the centurion that he need only say the word, or when He urges Jairus to simply believe, the emphasis is not on scarcity, but on the sufficiency of God’s power. This singularity strips away our distractions, leaving us with what truly matters: trust in His ability to heal and restore.
We also see this concept applied to God Himself as the 'only' God or the one who alone knows the day and hour. This is not a statement of loneliness, but of unique sovereignty. It reminds us that while we may feel surrounded by uncertainty, there is one source of truth and stability. Our faith rests not in the crowd’s approval or our own strength, but in the singular, reliable character of the Lord who sustains us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 111 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- only56×
- alone22×
- alone.7×
- only,5×
- alone,5×
- only [so]3×
- solely2×
- Only2×
- to [the] only1×
- solitary1×
- only [there is]1×
- but1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μόνον64×
- μόνος13×
- μόνῳ6×
- μόνον,5×
- μόνος,4×
- μόνους3×
- μόνοι3×
- μόνος.2×
- μόνον.¶2×
- μόνους.1×
- μόνου.1×
- μόνου1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’”
Jesus uses this word to redefine survival, showing that physical needs are secondary to spiritual dependence on God’s spoken word.
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Mark 5:36
But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”
In a moment of crisis, Jesus narrows the ruler's focus from fear to faith, indicating that belief is the sole requirement for healing.
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Luke 5:21
The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?”
The religious leaders use this term to question Jesus’ authority, highlighting their belief that forgiveness belongs exclusively to God.
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Matthew 24:36
“But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
This verse establishes a clear boundary of knowledge, attributing the timing of the end solely to the Father’s exclusive authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does monos mean in the New Testament?
How is monos different from other words for 'one'?
Why does Jesus say we should not live by bread alone?
Every Occurrence (111 verses across 23 books)
Matthew 13 verses
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s…
Matthew 4:10Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall…
Matthew 5:47If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?
Matthew 8:8The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be…
Matthew 9:21for she said within herself, “If I just touch his garment, I will be made well.”
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 14:23After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was…
Matthew 14:36and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.
Matthew 17:8Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.
Matthew 18:15“If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have…
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 24:36“But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.