ναί
naí
G3483 response particle
SILEX Entry
Definition
An emphatic particle used to express strong affirmation or assent; the primary sense is 'yes' as a direct response or confirmation. It can also function to introduce or reinforce the truthfulness or certainty of a statement in discourse, at times equivalent to 'indeed' or 'certainly.' In certain contexts, it serves to underscore agreement or confirm the preceding statement.
Semantic Range
yes (direct affirmation), certainly, indeed, assuredly, truly, verily, even so
Root / Etymology
etymology uncertain. ναί is not transparently derived from a known Greek verb or noun; its function as a particle of affirmation appears early in Greek literature. Some have attempted to connect it with Proto-Indo-European roots for affirmation, but the evidence is inconclusive.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ναί appears in both literary and colloquial Greek from the classical period onward. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it commonly appears as a standalone affirmation ('yes') in answer to a question or to emphasize agreement (e.g. Mt 9:28, Lk 7:26). Classical Greek typically uses ναί as the standard particle for positive affirmation, often in formal answers. In Koine Greek contexts, ναί can at times be paired with another positive, such as 'ναί, κύριε' ('yes, lord'), to convey respectful assent. While English translations often render ναί as 'yes,' nuances such as agreement, emphasis, or polite affirmation are context-dependent and sometimes better captured by 'certainly,' 'indeed,' or 'truly.' Distinct from οὐ (no), and from μή (negative particle). No significant shift in meaning from classical to Koine; the term remains a primary particle of affirmation across periods.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primary particle of strong affirmation; yes:--even so, surely, truth, verily, yea, yes.
Root Family
ναί (nai) — to affirm, to agree, yes
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3483-01 |
ναὶ | nai | N NOM N SG |
Yes | Yes | Yes | 34 |
Occurrences in Scripture
34 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3483-01 |
Matthew 5:37 | ναὶ | nai | N NOM N SG |
yes | Yes | Yes |
G3483-01 |
Matthew 5:37 | ναί | nai-2 | N NOM N SG |
yes | Yes | yes |
G3483-01 |
Matthew 9:28 | ναί | nai | RESP |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
G3483-01 |
Matthew 11:9 | ναί | nai | RESP |
yes | Yes | Yes |
G3483-01 |
Matthew 11:26 | ναί | nai | RESP |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
G3483-01 |
Matthew 13:51 | ναί | nai | RESP |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
G3483-01 |
Matthew 15:27 | ναί | nai | RESP |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
G3483-01 |
Matthew 17:25 | ναί | nai | RESP |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
G3483-01 |
Matthew 21:16 | ναί | nai | RESP |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
G3483-01 |
Mark 7:28 | ναί | nai | RESP |
Yes | Yes | Yes |