μία
mía
G3391
SILEX Entry
Definition
Feminine form of the numeric adjective 'one'; primary meaning is 'one' (as a single entity) in reference to a feminine noun. It can also signify 'a certain (feminine)' or 'first' in contexts where sequence or uniqueness is indicated by context. In some idiomatic expressions and set phrases, μία may function as an indefinite article or convey the sense of 'a (certain) woman' or 'one (female person or thing)'.
Semantic Range
one (feminine), a single (feminine), first (in sequence or emphasis), a certain (feminine), one woman or person, one thing, the first day (with σαββάτου)
Root / Etymology
From the root εἷς (one), with feminine grammatical form. The form μία is specifically used with feminine nouns, parallel to masculine εἷς and neuter ἕν.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, as well as in Koine, μία is consistently the feminine form of the numeral 'one.' It appears frequently in narratives to identify or single out a person, day, or object (e.g., μία τῶν σαββάτων, 'the first day of the week'). The semantic distinction between 'one' and 'a certain' depends chiefly on context; sometimes μία can introduce a new, previously unnamed participant or object into a narrative, effectively functioning like an indefinite article before the generalization of such in later Greek. In the New Testament, μία is widely attested in this numeric or non-specific identifying function. It should not be confused with the indefinite article of later Greek, though occasional overlap in meaning occurs. English translations usually render μία as 'one,' 'a,' or occasionally 'first,' and some nuance is lost where English lacks a gendered adjective. Related forms are εἷς (masculine) and ἕν (neuter), which are declined accordingly.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
irregular feminine of εἷς; one or first:--a (certain), + agree, first, one, X other.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.