ὅλως

wholly, altogether, not at all

Definition

The adverb ὅλως (olōs) fundamentally means 'wholly' or 'altogether,' indicating completeness or totality. In a positive sense, it can mean 'actually' or 'really,' as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:1, where Paul says a certain sin is 'actually' reported among them. However, its most distinctive usage in the New Testament is when it is combined with a negative particle (οὐ or μή), where it intensifies the negation to mean 'not at all' or 'by no means.' This emphatic negative sense appears in Jesus's teaching in Matthew 5:34, where He says, 'Do not swear at all,' and in Paul's arguments in 1 Corinthians 6:7 and 1 Corinthians 15:29.

Biblical Usage

ὅλως is used four times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Gospels and Pauline epistles. Its usage shows a clear pattern: it either strengthens a positive statement to mean 'actually' (1 Corinthians 5:1) or, more commonly, forms a powerful negation meaning 'not at all' when paired with 'not.' This emphatic negation is used in ethical instruction (Matthew 5:34), church discipline (1 Corinthians 6:7), and theological argument (1 Corinthians 15:29).

Etymology

ὅλως is derived from the adjective ὅλος (holos, G3650), meaning 'whole,' 'entire,' or 'complete.' As an adverb, it carries the core idea of wholeness into the manner of an action, meaning 'wholly' or 'altogether.' This root connection to completeness explains how it developed its intensive function, especially when negated, to mean 'not in the least.'

Semantic Range

ὅλως is theologically significant because it underscores the absolute nature of biblical commands and truths. In Matthew 5:34, Jesus uses it to intensify His teaching on oaths, pointing toward a kingdom ethic of total truthfulness. In 1 Corinthians, Paul uses it to deliver emphatic corrections regarding church purity (1 Corinthians 5:1, 6:7) and to highlight the logical absurdity of a position if the resurrection were not true (1 Corinthians 15:29). Understanding this adverb reveals the strength and completeness behind the biblical author's assertions.

In the Greco-Roman world, oaths and vows were common in legal, social, and religious contexts. Jesus's command in Matthew 5:34 to 'not swear at all' (ὅλως μὴ ὀμόσαι) would have been a striking and radical departure from common practice, emphasizing a new, total integrity that made such reinforcing oaths unnecessary for His followers.

πάντας (pantas, G3843) — means 'altogether' or 'certainly,' but is more general and lacks the intensive negative force of ὅλως. τελείως (teleiōs, G5049) — means 'perfectly' or 'completely,' focusing on the end goal or maturity rather than sheer totality.

Word Details

Scripture References