Word: If not this then I am that

John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. [kjv]

απεκριθησαν αυτω ιησουν τον ναζωραιον λεγει αυτοις εγω ειμι ιστηκει δε και ιουδας ο παραδιδους αυτον μετ αυτων [gnt]

18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. [kjv]

ως ουν ειπεν αυτοις εγω ειμι απηλθαν εις τα οπισω και επεσαν χαμαι [gnt]

18:8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: [kjv]

απεκριθη ιησους ειπον υμιν οτι εγω ειμι ει ουν εμε ζητειτε αφετε τουτους υπαγειν [gnt]

The "he" is inferred from the context. Jesus does affirm that he is "Jesus" of "Nazareth". These verses are often used to claim that Jesus says he is God.

John 18:5

All

KJV: They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

Greek: απεκριθησαν αυτω ιησουν τον ναζωραιον λεγει αυτοις ο ιησους εγω ειμι ειστηκει ιστηκει δε και ιουδας ο παραδιδους αυτον μετ αυτων

John 18:6

All

KJV: As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

Greek: ως ουν ειπεν αυτοις οτι εγω ειμι απηλθον απηλθαν εις τα οπισω και επεσον επεσαν χαμαι

John 18:8

All

KJV: Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

Greek: απεκριθη ο ιησους ειπον υμιν οτι εγω ειμι ει ουν εμε ζητειτε αφετε τουτους υπαγειν

John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? [kjv]

1:20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. [kjv]

και ωμολογησεν και ουκ ηρνησατο και ωμολογησεν οτι εγω ουκ ειμι ο χριστος [gnt]

In English, to "agree" and to "confess" do not always have the same meaning. The ancient Greek word "ὁμολογέω" ≈ "make an agreement, agree" and means, literally, "same reasoning". The prefix "εξ" ≈ "out of" accentuates the meaning as in, literally, "out of the same reasoning".

The ancient Greek word "εἰμί" ≈ "I am" as a form of "existence" or "being". Many times, the word "ἐγὼ" ≈ "I", source of the English word "ego", though not needed, is added for emphasis.

At school, little Johny started to give his report, "I is ...". The teacher stopped him and said to start with "I am ...".

Little Johnny then said, "I am the ninth letter of the alphabet".

More: Deny the bird denial of yourself

More: Oh say can you see to affirm or deny

John 1:19

All

KJV: And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

Greek: και αυτη εστιν η μαρτυρια του ιωαννου οτε απεστειλαν προς αυτον οι ιουδαιοι εξ ιεροσολυμων ιερεις και λευιτας ινα ερωτησωσιν αυτον συ τις ει

John 1:20

All

KJV: And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

Greek: και ωμολογησεν και ουκ ηρνησατο και ωμολογησεν οτι εγω ουκ ειμι εγω ο χριστος

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [kjv]

λεγει αυτω ιησους εγω ειμι η οδος και η αληθεια και η ζωη ουδεις ερχεται προς τον πατερα ει μη δι εμου [gnt]

… via … veritas … vita … [v]

The ancient Greek word "εἰμί" ≈ "I am" as a form of "existence" or "being".

Jesus usually uses a bottom-up forward-chaining process from start point to goal.

(start) "way", then "truth" then "life" (goal).
(start) "ask" then "seek" then "knock" (goal).

John often uses a top-down backward-chaining process that leads from goal to start point.

(goal) "life" if "truth" if "way" (start).
(goal) "knock" if "seek" if "ask" (start).

John quotes Jesus but appears to organize John 14, 15 and 16 in a top-down backward-chaining manner.

More: 1 John 5:6-10 Truth types and 1 John

More: John 14:12-14 Asking for anything and everything

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. [kjv]

The ancient Greek word "εἰμί" ≈ "I am" as a form of "existence" or "being".

More: Matthew 18:18-20 Middle agreement to have anything done

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. [kjv]

These "two" or "three" appear to be the "hand", "foot" (for "two") and "eye" (for "three") that "gather together" for the purpose of "entrapment".

From the previous verses:

You as the "one" "little one" "accepts" "on" the "name" (of Jesus).
The "two" or "three" "gather together" "into" the "name" (of Jesus).

You are not alone. Jesus is in the "middle" with you, if you both "agree", to help withstand the "entrapment" of the "hand", "foot" and "eye" as they attempt to "entrap" you and as you try to "block" them ("cut" or "pluck" them out and "cast" away).

More: Matthew 18:18-20 Middle agreement to have anything done

Many scholars argue that Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah.

Where does the Bible say that Jesus say that he is divine?

In the inspired KJV (King James Version), Jesus says that he is divine (and we are the branches).

Pharaoh would not let Moses and his people go. Did that attitude end up in his soldiers?

It appears so. In some sense, his soldiers would see that they were in denial (the Nile).

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [kjv]

εγω ειμι η αμπελος υμεις τα κληματα ο μενων εν εμοι καγω εν αυτω ουτος φερει καρπον πολυν οτι χωρις εμου ου δυνασθε ποιειν ουδεν [gnt]

This verse goes with the next verse.
Some people cite John 15:5 as their favorite Bible verse. How nice. The "abide" or "remain" appears, in context, to be related to the Meno Paradox.

English changes the double negative for emphasis to a single negative. The "can do" is, in the Greek, "potentially do". The next verse completes the thought.

More: Meno Paradox: Seeking to learn what you do not know

More: John 15:1-19 Friendship evangelism deception

John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [kjv]

εαν μη τις μενη εν εμοι εβληθη εξω ως το κλημα και εξηρανθη και συναγουσιν αυτα και εις το πυρ βαλλουσιν και καιεται [gnt]

This verse goes with the previous verse.
The first "cast" is a play on words with "into oblivion/forgetfulness". Many churches who might use the previous verse would not want to talk about the "fire" and being "burned". The ancient Greek word "καίω" ≈ "light, kindle, burn".

More: John 15:1-19 Friendship evangelism deception

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [kjv]

15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. [kjv]

The pattern used here by John is that of conditional logic.

At one church, someone on the staff claimed John 15:5 as their favorite verse. That church would prefer to omit any mention of John 15:6.

More: John 15:1-19 Friendship evangelism deception

Aristotle uses the words translated as "but" "if" "not" nine times in Topica alone with the meaning of "further" with a "if" and a "negative" implication from the «μη».

English: Further, you must see whether the definition of the contrary fails to be clear from the description given; for correctly assigned definitions also indicate their contraries. (Loeb #391, p. 567)

Greek: Ἔτι εἰ μὴ δῆλος ὁ τοῦ ἐναντίου λόγος ἐκ τοῦ λεχθέντος· οἱ γὰρ καλῶς ἀποδιδόμενοι καὶ τοὺς ἐναντίους προσσημαίνουσιν. Aristotle: Topica [140a]

Note that the translator appears to not have a good background in logic since the three words are spread out within the translation. Paraphrase: Yet, if not clear ...

"ετι" ≈ "yet, further".
"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).

As a phrase, the words mean "yet" "if" "not" or "yet" "whether" "not". When translated, the words may be moved around in the text to fit, say, English.

More: Matthew 5:13: Salt of the earth

*G2089 *94 ἔτι (et'-ee) : perhaps akin to G2094; "yet," still (of time or degree):--after that, also, ever, (any) further, (t-)henceforth (more), hereafter, (any) longer, (any) more(-one), now, still, yet.

*G1487 *0 εἰ (i) : a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:--forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles.

*G3361 *0 μή (may) : a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas G3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas G3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether:--any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations.

The Strongs definitions of the three words are "yet", "if" and "not", just as used many times by Aristotle. Usage:

«μή» is the negative of thought or wish.
«οὐ» is the negative of objective statements of fact.

However, this does not come through in translation. A modern Greek translation of this verse (omitted) appears to be translation not of the original Greek but of the KJV.

More: Matthew 5:13: Salt of the earth

Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]

υμεις εστε το αλας της γης εαν δε το αλας μωρανθη εν τινι αλισθησεται εις ουδεν ισχυει ετι ει μη βληθεν εξω καταπατεισθαι υπο των ανθρωπων [gnt]

The words for "yet" "if" "not" it translated as "but" in the KJV (and elsewhere).

KJV: but to be cast out ...
Greek: yet if (it is) not thrown out ... (some problems result)

To what does the ambiguous implied "it" refer?

good

effective

"salt"

bad

"not"

effective

"salt"

The statement is in the form of a "counter-factual" in that this division does not exist. The "trodden" happens without the split since the split never happens.

More: Profitable and expedient counterfactual logic

More: Word and parsing ambiguity

A possible play on words for "if not" might be "εἰμί" ≈ "to be, happen".

More: Matthew 5:13: Salt of the earth

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

The adjacent pair of ancient Greek words "εί" ≈ "if, whether" and then "μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential) are used 17 times in Matthew. The play on words is with "εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

How well does what Jesus says fit the play on words of "I am" when he speaks the words "if" "not"?

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

How well does the play on words work?

Greek: ... yet if not thrown out outside , to be trodden under of men.
Play: ... yet I am thrown outside , to be trodden under of men.

Matthew 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whom soever the Son will reveal him. [kjv]

παντα μοι παρεδοθη υπο του πατρος μου και ουδεις επιγινωσκει τον υιον ει μη ο πατηρ ουδε τον πατερα τις επιγινωσκει ει μη ο υιος και ω εαν βουληται ο υιος αποκαλυψαι [gnt]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

Greek: ... if not the Father ... if not the Son ...
Play: ... I am the Father ... I am the Son ...

More: Matthew 11:20-30 Upgraded baby yokes revealed

Matthew 12:4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shew bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? [kjv]

πως εισηλθεν εις τον οικον του θεου και τους αρτους της προθεσεως εφαγον ο ουκ εξον ην αυτω φαγειν ουδε τοις μετ αυτου ει μη τοις ιερευσιν μονοις [gnt]

This is commentary by Jesus about what was happening as a prelude to a discourse.

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

Greek: ... if not the priests only.
Play : ... I am the priests only.

More: Matthew 12:1-21 Healing on the Sabbath

Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. [kjv]

οι δε φαρισαιοι ακουσαντες ειπον ουτος ουκ εκβαλλει τα δαιμονια ει μη εν τω βεεζεβουλ αρχοντι των δαιμονιων [gnt]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

Matthew is recording what the priests say. Thus there is no play on words here.

More: Matthew 12:22-28 Kingdoms divided against themselves

Matthew 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: [kjv]

ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν αυτοις γενεα πονηρα και μοιχαλις σημειον επιζητει και σημειον ου δοθησεται αυτη ει μη το σημειον ιωνα του προφητου [gnt]

Greek word order: ... and sign no shall be given[shall be pitted] if not the sign Jonah [ages] (of the) prophet.

... more to be added ...

More: Matthew 12:38-40 Sign sign everywhere a sign

Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ην ιωνας εν τη κοιλια του κητους τρεις ημερας και τρεις νυκτας ουτως εσται ο υιος του ανθρωπου εν τη καρδια της γης τρεις ημερας και τρεις νυκτας [gnt]

Greek: ... for as Jonah was in the belly of the whale ...
Play on words: ... for as the ages was (are) in the wolves of the wall ...

Might the play on words just be a coincidence?

More: Matthew 12:38-40 Sign sign everywhere a sign

Matthew 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: [kjv]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

The Greek word translated as "but" is that of "if" "not" (potentially).

Greek: ... if not the sign (of) Jonah of the prophets.
Play: ... I am the Messiah (of) ages of the before planted ones

A similar translation issue involving negation arises in the "salt" verse in the Sermon on the Mount.

More: The one drop of blood salvation fallacy

More: Miraculous signs of the Messiah

More: Matthew 12:38-40 Sign sign everywhere a sign

Matthew 13:57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. [kjv]

και εσκανδαλιζοντο εν αυτω ο δε ιησους ειπεν αυτοις ουκ εστιν προφητης ατιμος ει μη εν τη πατριδι και εν τη οικια αυτου [gnt]

if not in country in and I am in the father righteous

"πατρίδα" ≈ "place of one's ancestors" (as used, accusative singular) from "πατρίς" ≈ "place of one's ancestors"

"ει" ≈ "if" and "μη" ≈ "not" and "εἰμί" ≈ "I am".
"εν" ≈ "in" and "τη" ≈ "the" (feminine).
"και" ≈ "and" "εν" ≈ "in" and "ἑν" ≈ "one".
"δίκαιον" ≈ "observant of custom" (singular) from "δίκαιος" ≈ "observant of custom, righteous" and other related meanings. The word is from "δίκη" ≈ "custom,, order, law".

More: Matthew 13:53-58 Prophets and honor

Matthew 14:16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. [kjv]

ο δε ιησους ειπεν αυτοις ου χρειαν εχουσιν απελθειν δοτε αυτοις υμεις φαγειν [gnt]

14:17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. [kjv]

οι δε λεγουσιν αυτω ουκ εχομεν ωδε ει μη πεντε αρτους και δυο ιχθυας [gnt]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

The disciples are speaking. They do not know about play on words.

Greek: ... we do not have in this manner (to feed them) if not five loaves and two fishes.
KJV: ... we have here but five loaves and two fishes.

It is a logical equivocation to always translate the Greek "if" "not" as "but". Some places it will fit. Some places it may not fit. That is, "if" "not" some places!

More: Equivocation deception between names and meanings

More: Matthew 13:53-58 Prophets and honor

Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [kjv]

ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν ουκ απεσταλην ει μη εις τα προβατα τα απολωλοτα οικου ισραηλ [gnt]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

How well does this play on words fit?

Greek: ... if not into the sheep the lost (of the) house (of) Israel.
Play: ... I am into the sheep the lost (of the) house (of) Israel.

More: Matthew 15:1-21 Blind leading the blind

Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. [kjv]

γενεα πονηρα και μοιχαλις σημειον επιζητει και σημειον ου δοθησεται αυτη ει μη το σημειον ιωνα και καταλιπων αυτους απηλθεν [gnt]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

More: Matthew 16:1-3 Red sky at night

Matthew 17:8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. [kjv]

επαραντες δε τους οφθαλμους αυτων ουδενα ειδον ει μη αυτον ιησουν μονον [gnt]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

The Greek for "if" "not" is translated as "save".

This is connecting commentary added by Matthew. Jesus does not speak these words. Thus, there is no play on words.

More: Matthew 17:1-8 Transfiguration on a mountain

Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. [kjv]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

The TR (Textus Receptus) adds this verse. Thus, there is no play on words for "if" "not".

More: Matthew 17:14-21 Healing of the lunatic child and moving mountains

Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. [kjv]

λεγω δε υμιν οτι ος αν απολυση την γυναικα αυτου μη επι πορνεια και γαμηση αλλην μοιχαται [gnt]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

The TR adds "if". Just the "not" is in the Greek. Thus, Jesus is not actually saying "if" "not" so there is no play on words here.

More: Matthew 19:1-12 Joined together

Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. [kjv]

ο δε ειπεν αυτω τι με ερωτας περι του αγαθου εις εστιν ο αγαθος ει δε θελεις εις την ζωην εισελθειν τηρει τας εντολας [gnt]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

The TR adds words that add "if" "not" (and several other words). Thus, there is no play on words here.

More: Matthew 19:13-26 Perfect end complete perfection

Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. [kjv]

και ιδων συκην μιαν επι της οδου ηλθεν επ αυτην και ουδεν ευρεν εν αυτη ει μη φυλλα μονον και λεγει αυτη ου μηκετι εκ σου καρπος γενηται εις τον αιωνα και εξηρανθη παραχρημα η συκη [gnt]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

This is connecting commentary by Matthew. The Greek words for "if" "not" are translated as "but". This is not part of what Jesus says in this (small) discourse.

The Greek word for "leaves" is the same word as the Greek word for "tribes" as in the "tribes" of Israel. Has Jesus talked before about removing "leaves" or "twigs" so that one cannot bear "fruit"?

This was part of the Sermon on the Mount having to do with "twigs" or "motes" and "beams", but the play on word correspondence is often missed.

More: Matthew 7:3-5 Beams and motes: the devil is in the details

More: Matthew 21:17-23 Connecting the fig tree curse with moving this mountain

Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. [kjv]

και ει μη εκολοβωθησαν αι ημεραι εκειναι ουκ αν εσωθη πασα σαρξ δια δε τους εκλεκτους κολοβωθησονται αι ημεραι εκειναι [gnt]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

Does the play on words work in this verse?

Greek: and if not parts cut off the days those ...
Play : and I am parts cut off the days those ...

More: Matthew 24:21-24 Short day cutoff

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. [kjv]

περι δε της ημερας εκεινης και ωρας ουδεις οιδεν ουδε οι αγγελοι των ουρανων ουδε ο υιος ει μη ο πατηρ μονος [gnt]

"εί" ≈ "if, whether".
"μὴ" ≈ "not" (potential).
"εἰμί" ≈ "I am".

How well does the play on words work?

Greek: ... if not the Father only.
Play: ... I am the Father only.

More: Matthew 24:36 Day and hour

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [kjv]

λεγει αυτω ιησους εγω ειμι η οδος και η αληθεια και η ζωη ουδεις ερχεται προς τον πατερα ει μη δι εμου [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "εἰμί" ≈ "I am" as a form of "existence" or "being". John is not known for using play on words in Greek. Nevertheless, here is the last part of the verse as a play on words.

Greek: ... if not by/through me.
Play: ... I am by/through me.

Such a reflexive/recursive reference is how John starts out his Gospel though the reflexive/recursive word "to" that is translated as "with" two times and thus obscures that reflexive/recursive reference.

More: John 1:1-5 Four causes in a design and implementation model

More: John 1:1-19 Top-down Gospel message

More: John 14:12-14 Asking for anything and everything