"interrogative particle, used in questions expecting a negative answer; has the same use as μή in the form εἰ μήτε, Lk. 9:3; also when prefixed to an interrogative clause, Mt. 7:16; Jn. 4:29"
Definition and meaning
interrogative particle, used in questions expecting a negative answer; has the same use as μή in the form εἰ μήτε, Lk. 9:3; also when prefixed to an interrogative clause, Mt. 7:16; Jn. 4:29
In the original Greek the word is written: μήτι
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of meti (G3385) across the King James Bible.
And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
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Common questions
Strong's G3385 (meti) is a Greek word that means: interrogative particle, used in questions expecting a negative answer; has the same use as μή in the form εἰ μήτε, Lk. 9:3; also when prefixed to an interrogative clause, Mt. 7:16; Jn. 4:29 It appears 10 times in the King James Bible.
The word meti (G3385) appears 10 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3385 is meti, a Greek word defined as: interrogative particle, used in questions expecting a negative answer; has the same use as μή in the form εἰ μήτε, Lk. 9:3; also when prefixed to an i. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
meti is a Greek word found in the New Testament.