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μόνον

mónon

G3440 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

As an adverb, 'only, solely, exclusively'—expressing restriction to a single person, thing, condition, or circumstance. μόνον indicates that an action, quality, or situation pertains to the subject without inclusion of others or additional factors. In context, it can mean 'alone, merely, just,' frequently restricting the statement to what is asserted and excluding alternatives or additions. When used with conjunctions (such as εἰ μή, 'except'), it can mark exceptions ('except, unless').

Semantic Range

only, exclusively, solely, merely, alone, just, but (restrictive), except (with negatives or exceptions)

Root / Etymology

From μόνος (monos, 'alone, only'), itself from an ancient Greek root meaning 'alone, single.' The adverb μόνον is the neuter accusative singular form used idiomatically as an adverb, which is a common grammatical development in Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, μόνον is regularly used as the adverbial counterpart of μόνος, denoting limitation, exclusivity, or restriction ('only, solely'). This usage persists without notable change into Koine Greek, including both the Septuagint and the New Testament. μόνον typically follows the word or phrase it qualifies, though variation occurs for emphasis. In New Testament contexts, μόνον often restricts the scope of a statement ('not only... but also...'), and may be linked with other particles to express exceptions (e.g., 'only,' 'but,' 'except'). English translations like 'only,' 'merely,' or 'alone' usually capture its sense, but the nuance of exclusivity or emphasis may vary with context. Its function is strictly adverbial, distinct from adjectival μόνος, and its meaning is consistent across broader Koine usage.

Translation Consistency

primary "only" 66 occurrences

"Only" is the most natural, common English rendering that covers the typical semantic range (only, solely, merely, just, alone) and is already the consistent rendering across the P2 data. It handles restrictive senses and, in context with negatives or exceptions, can convey meanings like "except" when the sentence structure requires it.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of μόνος as adverb; merely:--alone, but, only.

Root Family

μόνον (monon) — alone, only, single, exclusive

Root μον- alone, only, single, exclusive

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3440-01 μόνον monon ADV only only only 66

Occurrences in Scripture

66 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3440-01 Matthew 5:47 μόνον monon ADV only only only
G3440-01 Matthew 8:8 μόνον monon ADV only only only
G3440-01 Matthew 9:21 μόνον monon ADV only only only
G3440-01 Matthew 10:42 μόνον monon ADV only only only
G3440-01 Matthew 14:36 μόνον monon ADV only only only
G3440-01 Matthew 17:8 μόνον monon DET ACC M SG only only only
G3440-01 Matthew 21:19 μόνον monon ADV only only only
G3440-01 Matthew 21:21 μόνον monon ADV only only only
G3440-01 Mark 5:36 μόνον monon ADV only only only
G3440-01 Mark 6:8 μόνον monon ADV only only only
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