οὐδαμῶς
oudamōs
G3760 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
An emphatic negative adverb meaning 'by no means', 'in no way', or 'absolutely not.' Used to categorically deny, exclude, or reject the reality or possibility of something. In discourse, it intensifies the negation or prohibition expressed, often introducing a strong or conclusive denial.
Semantic Range
in no way, by no means, absolutely not, categorically no, not at all, under no circumstances
Root / Etymology
Formed from οὐδείς (no one, nothing) in its feminine dative/plural form οὐδαμῇ or οὐδαμῇ, combined with the adverbializing ending -ως. The prefix οὐ- is the standard Greek marker of negation. Thus, literally: 'not in any way' or 'by no manner.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
οὐδαμῶς appears chiefly in Koine Greek, including the New Testament and Hellenistic Jewish literature, to express a strong, categorical denial. It does not occur in Classical Attic but is typical of later Greek as an intensified negative. The LXX occasionally uses forms from the same root (οὐδαμῇ etc.) with similar force. In New Testament usage, οὐδαμῶς can negate statements, dismiss suggestions, or reinforce negative commands (e.g., Luke 20:16, Acts 10:14). English translations usually render it as 'by no means,' 'certainly not,' or 'absolutely not,' though none fully capture its emphatic nuance. Unlike the simpler οὐ or μή, οὐδαμῶς leaves no room for exception or ambiguity. Related negatives include οὐδαμῇ (nowhere, in no way), but οὐδαμῶς functions strictly as an adverb denying the possibility or actuality of something. The use of οὐδαμῶς reflects a broader Hellenistic trend toward emphatic negation, parallel to Latin nullatenus or English idioms like 'not on any account.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from (the feminine) of οὐδείς; by no means:--not.
Root Family
οὐδαμῶς (oudamōs) — not at all, by no means, in no way, absolutely not
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3760-01 |
οὐδαμῶς | oudamos | ADV |
by no means | by no means | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3760-01 |
Matthew 2:6 | οὐδαμῶς | oudamos | ADV |
by no means | by no means |