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μεταξύ

metaxý

G3342 preposition

SILEX Entry

Root μεταξυ- in the middle, between, in the interval

Definition

Primarily, 'in the midst, between, in the interval,' indicating a position or state occurring between two places, people, times, or states. Used as an adverb or preposition to denote (1) spatial, temporal, or logical separation or mediation between entities, (2) intervening states or moments, and (3) less commonly, the interval or distance itself between two points or conditions.

Semantic Range

between (spatial), between (persons), in the interval (temporal), meanwhile, during the intervening period or state, in the midst

Root / Etymology

Composed of the preposition μετά (with, among, after) and a neuter form derived from σύν (with), though the latter component functions primarily as an intensifier or marker of interval; ultimately not a compound with the standard form of σύν, but formed analogically in Hellenistic Greek. Cognates or semantic parallels include μέσος (middle) and ἀνά μέσον (in the midst of).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, μεταξύ is rare and appears more frequently in later and Koine sources, including the Septuagint and New Testament. In these contexts, it most often functions as an adverb ("in between") or as a preposition with the genitive, denoting between two persons or things (e.g., μεταξὺ τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ τῆς μητρός, 'between the father and the mother'). Temporally, it may refer to the interval or intervening time ("meanwhile", "in the interval"). The use sometimes overlaps with μέσος or μέσον, but μεταξύ is typically less concrete, emphasizing the interval rather than the midpoint. English translations vary between 'between,' 'in the interval,' or 'meanwhile.' The sense of 'adjoining' is context-driven rather than lexical. In the New Testament, μεταξύ always denotes an intervening space or time, not an attribute of adjacency. The word is not used to denote a relationship of close association (as σὺν does) but rather emphasizes the interval or division.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μετά and a form of σύν; betwixt (of place or person); (of time) as adjective, intervening, or (by implication) adjoining:--between, mean while, next.

Root Family

μεταξύ (metaxy) — in the middle, between, in the interval

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G3342-01 μεταξὺ metaxu PREP GEN between between 9

Occurrences in Scripture

9 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G3342-01 Matthew 18:15 μεταξὺ metaxu PREP GEN between
G3342-01 Matthew 23:35 μεταξὺ metaxu PREP GEN between
G3342-01 Luke 11:51 μεταξὺ metaxu PREP GEN between between
G3342-01 Luke 16:26 μεταξὺ metaxu PREP GEN between between
G3342-01 John 4:31 μεταξὺ metaxu ADV meantime between
G3342-01 Acts 12:6 μεταξὺ metaxu PREP GEN between between
G3342-01 Acts 13:42 μεταξὺ metaxu ADV next between
G3342-01 Acts 15:9 μεταξὺ metaxu PREP GEN between between
G3342-01 Romans 2:15 μεταξὺ metaxu PREP GEN between
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