οὔτε

and not, neither, nor

Definition

Οὔτε is a compound conjunction meaning 'and not,' 'neither,' or 'nor,' used to connect two or more negative elements. It functions to exclude multiple items or possibilities, often in a series, as seen in Matthew 6:20 where it negates both moth and rust destroying treasure. In some contexts, it emphasizes a comprehensive negation, such as in Matthew 22:30 and Mark 12:25, where it states that in the resurrection people 'neither marry nor are given in marriage.' It can also link negative clauses to build a logical argument, as in Luke 12:26, which argues if you cannot do a very little thing, 'neither' can you do the greater.

Biblical Usage

Οὔτε appears 45 times in the New Testament, used across the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles, with notable frequency in Luke and Paul's letters. It is commonly employed in didactic or argumentative contexts to list exclusions or present contrasting negations. For example, in 1 Corinthians 3:7, Paul writes that neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God gives growth. It often pairs with other negatives like οὐδέ (neither/nor) or μήτε (and not) to strengthen the negation, as in Galatians 1:12.

Etymology

Derived from the combination of the Greek negative adverb οὔ (ou, meaning 'not') and the enclitic particle τε (te, meaning 'and'). This formation literally means 'and not,' functioning as a negative connective. It is related to μήτε (mēte, G3383), which serves a similar conjunctive role but is typically used with subjunctive or imperative moods, whereas οὔτε is used with indicative statements.

Semantic Range

Οὔτε is theologically significant in passages that define the nature of the resurrection and the kingdom of God, such as Matthew 22:30 and Luke 20:35, where it clarifies that resurrected life transcends earthly institutions like marriage. It also plays a role in Pauline theology by negating human agency in salvation, as in 1 Corinthians 3:7, emphasizing divine sovereignty. Understanding this conjunction helps readers grasp the comprehensive exclusions and contrasts in biblical arguments, enriching the interpretation of doctrinal teachings.

In ancient Greek rhetoric, οὔτε was a standard tool for logical negation and enumeration, reflecting a cultural emphasis on precise argumentation. Its usage in the New Testament aligns with this rhetorical tradition, where listing negations was a common way to emphasize a point or define boundaries, which would have been familiar to both Greek and Jewish audiences educated in Hellenistic thought.

μήτε (mēte, G3383) — used with prohibitions or in dependent clauses, often with subjunctive mood; οὐδέ (oude, G3761) — can mean 'and not,' 'neither,' 'nor,' but sometimes implies 'not even' and can connect sentences more strongly.

Word Details

Scripture References