νή
nḗ
G3513 particle
SILEX Entry
Definition
An emphatic particle of strong affirmation or attestation, often introducing an oath or solemn assertion and typically followed by the person or entity by whom the speaker attests. Used to assert the truthfulness of a statement with the force of 'indeed,' 'certainly,' or 'truly,' especially in formulas of oath ('by...!'). In some contexts, nḗ reinforces the positive response to a question or statement, heightening the speaker’s certainty.
Semantic Range
particle of emphatic affirmation, particle introducing an oath, formula for swearing by someone or something, emphatic yes, expression of certainty
Root / Etymology
Likely an intensified form of ναί ('yes, truly'), itself from primitive Greek affirmation particles. νή is combined with a noun in the accusative—often naming a deity or revered figure—as an object of attestation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, νή is frequently found in oath formulas, e.g., νὴ τὸν Δία ('by Zeus!'), functioning as a solemn affirmation or oath formula. Its use in the New Testament and Koine Greek is rare and typically reflects this classical usage, invoking a person or entity as a guarantee of one’s truthfulness. Standard English translations often render it 'I protest by...', 'as surely as...', or sometimes omit it where direct oaths are not idiomatic in English. The particle is primarily found in direct speech and rhetorical questions, distinguished from ναί ('yes') by its emphatic and oath-related function. In contrast, ὄμνυμι is the common verb for 'to swear,' while νή is a particle introducing the confirmatory object of an oath. Rare outside oaths or vehement assertions in later Greek; its nuance is often diminished or adapted in English renderings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably an intensive form of ναί; a particle of attestation (accompanied by the object invoked or appealed to in confirmation); as sure as:--I protest by.
Root Family
νη- (nḗ) — to affirm, to attest, to swear
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3513-01 |
νὴ | ne | T |
yes | indeed! | indeed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3513-01 |
1 Corinthians 15:31 | νὴ | ne | T |
yes | indeed! | indeed |