νή (nē)
nē
as surely as
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The particle nē functions as a strong marker of affirmation, essentially meaning "as surely as" or "by." In the New Testament, it appears only once, in First Corinthians 15:31, where Paul uses it to swear an oath by his own boasting in Christ. This rare usage highlights its role in solemn declarations, lending weight and certainty to the speaker’s statement.
Lexical sources suggest that nē is likely an intensive form of the negative particle ouk, transforming a simple negation into a forceful affirmation. Its primary function in Scripture is to introduce an oath, often followed by the accusative case to indicate the person or thing by which one swears. This grammatical structure underscores the seriousness of the commitment being made.
While the word itself is brief, its theological implication in Paul’s context is significant. By invoking his own boasting as a guarantee, Paul emphasizes the reality of his suffering and faithfulness. The use of nē here serves not merely as a linguistic curiosity but as a rhetorical device to authenticate the truth of his message about the resurrection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nē carries the weight of a solemn oath, meaning "as surely as." In the New Testament, it appears only once, anchoring Paul’s declaration in First Corinthians 15:31. He uses this rare particle to swear by his own boasting in Christ, linking his daily suffering directly to the truth of the resurrection.
This usage reminds us that our faith is not abstract. When we speak or act, our words can carry real weight. Paul’s life was a living testimony, proving that belief in Christ involves both deep conviction and costly commitment. His example invites us to let our lives align with what we claim to believe.
Even in moments of hardship, this assurance holds firm. The resurrection is not just a past event but a present reality that sustains us. May you find strength in knowing that your faith, like Paul’s, is grounded in something eternal and unshakable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- as surely as1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νὴ1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 15:31
I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
Paul uses nē to swear an oath by his boasting in Christ, linking his daily suffering to the certainty of the resurrection.