οὐδείς (oudeis)
oudeis
none
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 222 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word oudeis functions as a comprehensive negative, meaning "no one," "nothing," or "none." It is built from two parts: ou ("not") and heis ("one"), creating a term that emphasizes the total absence of any person or thing. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in the Gospels and Acts, often serving as the strongest possible way to deny existence or agency.
A key feature of this word is its ability to intensify other negations. When used alongside another negative particle, it creates a double emphasis, as seen when Pilate insists he finds no basis for a charge against Jesus (Mark 15:4-5) or when John the Baptist states that he cannot do anything unless given from heaven (John 3:27). This structure leaves no room for ambiguity or partial exceptions.
The sources highlight its use in absolute contexts, such as Jesus’ teaching that no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24), and its neuter form ouden, which denotes "nothing," as in the statement that nothing is hidden that will not be revealed (Matthew 10:26). Its grammatical flexibility allows it to modify nouns directly or stand alone, making it a versatile tool for absolute statements of exclusion throughout Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oudeis carries a weight that goes beyond simple negation. It is built from 'not' and 'one,' creating a term that leaves no room for exceptions or partial truths. When Scripture uses it, it is making an absolute statement about reality. This can feel heavy, but for the believer, it often brings clarity. Jesus used this strong language to help us understand where our ultimate loyalty lies.
In Matthew 6:24, He declares that no one can serve two masters. The Greek structure here emphasizes that divided loyalty is impossible. You cannot hold God and wealth in the same heart simultaneously. This word strips away the illusion of compromise. It invites us to look at our lives with honesty, asking where our true trust rests.
There is also comfort in this absolute language. In Matthew 10:26, Jesus tells us that nothing is hidden that will not be revealed. This means no act of kindness goes unnoticed by God, and no truth remains buried forever. The finality of oudeis assures us that justice and love are the last words. We can rest in the certainty that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 222 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- no [one]84×
- no [thing]61×
- No [one]17×
- none9×
- No [thing]9×
- no [thing].7×
- no [thing],4×
- no [one];4×
- no4×
- to no [one]3×
- no [thing];3×
- not any2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οὐδεὶς86×
- οὐδὲν56×
- οὐδένα11×
- οὐδέν11×
- οὐδενὶ9×
- οὐδείς7×
- οὐδεμίαν7×
- οὐδενὸς6×
- οὐδέν.5×
- οὐδέν,5×
- Οὐδεὶς4×
- οὐθὲν3×
Key Verses
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Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.
This verse uses the word to establish an absolute boundary, showing that divided loyalty is structurally impossible rather than just difficult.
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Matthew 10:26
Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
Here the neuter form emphasizes total transparency, assuring believers that no hidden act will escape God's final judgment.
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Matthew 17:8
Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.
This occurrence highlights exclusivity, noting that after Jesus spoke, only He remained visible to the disciples.
-
Matthew 24:36
“But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
The word underscores the unique authority of the Father, stating that even heavenly beings lack knowledge of this specific timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oudeis mean in the New Testament?
How is oudeis different from other Greek negatives?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Does the word change form for gender or number?
Every Occurrence (222 verses across 19 books)
Matthew 19 verses
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for…
Matthew 6:24“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one…
Matthew 8:10When Jesus heard it, he marveled and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a…
Matthew 9:16No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse…
Matthew 10:26Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be…
Matthew 11:27All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son, except the Father; neither does anyone know…
Matthew 13:34Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he didn’t speak to them,
Matthew 17:8Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.
Matthew 17:20He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard…
Matthew 20:7“They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ “He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and you will…
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 22:16They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach…
Matthew 22:46No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forward.
Matthew 23:16“Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of…
Matthew 23:18And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated.’
Matthew 24:36“But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Matthew 26:62The high priest stood up and said to him, “Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?”
Matthew 27:12When he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
Matthew 27:24So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water and washed…