οὔτε (oute)
oute
neither
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 39 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek particle oûte functions as a negative connector, translating most often to "neither" or "nor." It works in tandem with other negative words to deny multiple items or actions simultaneously. As Abbott-Smith notes, it mirrors the relationship between ou and mē, serving as the negative counterpart to the connective te ("and"). This structural pairing allows writers to exclude several possibilities at once with grammatical precision.
Its most characteristic usage appears in the repeated "oûte... oûte" pattern, which lists items that are entirely absent. A clear example is found in Romans 8:38-39, where Paul asserts that no power or circumstance can separate believers from God's love. The repetition emphasizes a comprehensive exclusion, leaving no room for doubt about what is being denied.
The sources highlight its flexibility in joining different types of negations. It can follow an indefinite pronoun like "no one" (Rev 5:4) or link clauses introduced by other particles. In practical terms, it helps translators convey absolute negation, ensuring that the reader understands the scope of what is being rejected is total and unambiguous.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word oute serves as a precise tool for exclusion, often appearing in pairs to shut the door on every possible alternative. When Scripture uses this structure, it is not merely listing negatives; it is defining a boundary with absolute clarity. This grammatical precision helps us grasp the weight of biblical promises and warnings without ambiguity.
In Romans 8, Paul uses this pattern to assure believers that no force in the universe can sever their connection to God’s love. The repetition emphasizes total security, leaving no room for doubt about what is excluded. Similarly, Jesus employs it to clarify that eternal life operates under different rules than our current earthly existence.
Understanding how these negatives function allows us to rest in the certainty of God’s word. Whether facing trials or seeking clarity on doctrine, we can trust that the biblical authors used language with intentional care to guide us toward truth and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 39 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- nor51×
- neither19×
- Neither5×
- nothing1×
- nor even1×
- nor [sinned]1×
- nor [know]1×
- nor [I sinned]1×
- neither [you will worship]1×
- neither [is]1×
- [then] nor1×
- Nor1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- οὔτε87×
Key Verses
-
Romans 8:38
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
Paul begins a comprehensive list of potential separators, using oute to systematically exclude every conceivable power from breaking the believer's bond with Christ.
-
John 4:21
Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.
Jesus uses this negative construction to shift worship away from specific geographic locations, indicating a new spiritual reality that transcends physical places.
-
Matthew 22:30
For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like God’s angels in heaven.
This verse clarifies the nature of the resurrection life by explicitly denying earthly social structures like marriage, which do not carry over into eternity.
-
Acts 15:10
Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
Peter employs this structure to argue that the burden of the Mosaic law is impossible for humans to bear, highlighting the necessity of grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'ou' and 'oute' in Greek?
Why does Jesus use 'neither/nor' when talking about the resurrection?
How does 'oute' help in understanding Paul's arguments?
Every Occurrence (39 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 3 verses
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break…
Matthew 12:32Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it…
Matthew 22:30For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like God’s angels in heaven.