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μηδαμῶς

mēdamōs

G3365 adverb

SILEX Entry

Root μηδ- not at all, in no way, absolutely not

Definition

An emphatic adverb indicating strong negation; by no means, certainly not, in no way. Used to strongly deny or prohibit something, often conveying absolute exclusion of possibility or emphatic rejection in response or statement. Also used as an interjection in denial.

Semantic Range

by no means, in no way, certainly not, absolutely not, not at all, never

Root / Etymology

Formed from μή (a particle of negation, typically in non-indicative moods) and δαμῶς, an adverbial ending related to δαμάζω ('to tame, subdue'), though δαμῶς as an independent word is not otherwise attested; thus, 'in no way, not at all.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

μηδαμῶς is a rare adverb found in Koine Greek, notably in the New Testament and other Hellenistic-era texts, used to express strong negation. In earlier classical Greek, more common forms include οὐδαμῶς (with οὐ, the negation for indicative moods), while μηδαμῶς is more idiomatic for prohibitions, wishes, or subordinate clauses (non-indicative). Standard English Bibles often translate it as 'by no means' or 'certainly not,' capturing the strong sense. Its usage is similar to the Latin 'nequaquam.' The form is related to μηδαμός, 'no one, nothing,' plus the adverbial ending -ως. The meaning has remained consistent from classical into Koine periods, with the primary nuance being an absolute denial rather than a mere negative.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

adverb from a compound of μή and (somebody); by no means:--not so.

Root Family

μηδαμῶς (mēdamōs) — not at all, in no way, absolutely not

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G3365-01 μηδαμῶς medamos ADV by no means absolutely not 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G3365-01 Acts 10:14 μηδαμῶς medamos ADV no absolutely not
G3365-01 Acts 11:8 μηδαμῶς medamos ADV by no means absolutely not
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