οὐδαμῶς (oudamōs)
oudamōs
by no means
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb oudamōs carries an absolute negative force, meaning "by no means" or "not at all." It is a strong denial that leaves no room for exceptions, serving as one of the most emphatic ways to reject a possibility in Greek. Its rarity in the New Testament underscores its weight; it appears only once, in Matthew 2:6.
In this single occurrence, the phrase "by no means" translates Jesus’ quote from Micah regarding Bethlehem. The context is crucial: despite Bethlehem’s modest size, the prophecy declares it will not be overlooked but will become the leading center of Israel’s future leadership. This usage highlights how oudamōs can negate a negative assumption, affirming a surprising divine reality instead.
Etymologically, the word combines a root meaning "not even one" with an adverbial suffix, reinforcing its totalizing nature. Translators often render it as "certainly not" or "by no means" to capture this intensity. Its solitary appearance in the Gospels makes it a distinctive marker of definitive theological assertion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oudamōs carries an absolute weight, meaning "by no means." It is not a soft suggestion but a firm denial that leaves no room for doubt. In Matthew 2:6, it appears in a prophecy about Bethlehem. The leaders assumed this small town was insignificant. Jesus’ citation uses this strong negative to shatter that assumption completely.
This word reminds us that God often chooses what the world overlooks. When circumstances seem hopeless or when you feel unnoticed, remember that divine plans operate differently than human expectations. What appears least in your eyes may be central in His. This absolute negation of smallness offers a steady anchor for faith.
Trust that God sees beyond surface appearances. His choices are not bound by our limited perspective. Even in moments of quiet obscurity, His purpose stands firm and unshaken.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- by no means1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οὐδαμῶς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 2:6
‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah; for out of you shall come a governor who shall shepherd my people, Israel.’”
This occurrence uses the strongest possible negative to refute the idea that Bethlehem is insignificant, affirming its crucial role in God's plan.