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Do not no way use double negatives
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1. Do not no way use double negatives

2. A prefix alpha to negate
Greek letter
The Greek prefix "α" (alpha) negates the word for which it is a prefix. This has come through to English in many pairs of words.
periodic aperiodic
political apolitical
synchronous asynchronous
theist atheist
typical atypical
The same idea comes through in many English words taken from the Greek.
In Greek, however, there are a number of words that developed independently of the alpha-negation prefix such that they can be play on words with those alpha-negated words.

3. Strong and weak
The ancient Greek word "σθένος""strength, might, power". Prefixing the negating alpha results in "ἀσθενής""without strength, feeble, sickly, insignificant".
Job 4:10 The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken. [kjv]
σθενος λεοντος φωνη δε λεαινης γαυριαμα δε δρακοντων εσβεσθη [lxx]
The strength of the lion, and the voice of the lioness, and the exulting cry of serpents are quenched. [bs3]
Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? [kjv]
ποτε δε σε ειδομεν ασθενουντα η εν φυλακη και ηλθομεν προς σε [gnt]

The LXX (Septuagint) has "strength" for "roaring". The LXX has "dragons" which is not in the KJV (King James Version) or the HOT (Hebrew Old Testament).

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Information sign More: Matthew 25:36 Weak and visited by a bishop

4. Eratosthenes
The ancient Greek "Ἐρατοσθένης""Eratosthenes" was a famous Greek scientist and mathematician in the 3rd Century BC in Egypt. Two discoveries credited to Eratosthenes are the following. Eratosthenes provided an effective (correct) way but not an efficient way to work with prime numbers. Today, the world's information security systems (e.g., public key cryptography) are based on not having an efficient way with which to determine prime factors of (large) composite numbers.

5. Strongs - ready
*G3195 *110 μέλλω (mel'-lo) : a strengthened form of G3199 (through the idea of expectation); to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation):--about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet.
Word usage per chapter Words: εμελλεν=3 εμελλον=3 ημελλεν=11 ημελλον μελλει=16 μελλειν=6 μελλεις=4 μελλετε=2 μελλη=3 μελλησετε μελλησω=1 μελλομεν μελλον=2 μελλοντα=6 μελλοντας=3 μελλοντες=4 μελλοντι=4 μελλοντος=6 μελλοντων=9 μελλουσαν=4 μελλουσης=6 μελλουσιν=2 μελλω=2 μελλων=10

The ancient Greek word "μέλλω""think of doing, intend to do, about to do".

6. 2 Peter 1:12 Ready and not unready
2 Peter 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. [kjv]
διο μελλησω αει υμας υπομιμνησκειν περι τουτων καιπερ ειδοτας και εστηριγμενους εν τη παρουση αληθεια [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "μέλλω""think of doing, intend to do, about to do". The TR (Textus Receptus) changes "ready" to "not" and "not ready" or "unready" by using the negating alpha prefix. What might be the difference in the meaning of each? Which might be the original and which the variant?

7. 2 Peter 1:12
   2 Peter 1:12 
 All 
KJV: Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
Greek: διο ουκ αμελησω υμας μελλησω αει υμας υπομιμνησκειν περι τουτων καιπερ ειδοτας και εστηριγμενους εν τη παρουση αληθεια

8. Ephesians 2:12 Atheist without God
Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [kjv]
οτι ητε τω καιρω εκεινω χωρις χριστου απηλλοτριωμενοι της πολιτειας του ισραηλ και ξενοι των διαθηκων της επαγγελιας ελπιδα μη εχοντες και αθεοι εν τω κοσμω [gnt]

Greek letter Phone sign
The ancient Greek word "θεός""deity, god, God" and is the source of the English word "theist".
With the with negating alpha prefix, "ἄθεος""without gods"and is the source of the English word "atheist". At one time (it is said), that someone called the "Atheist Anonymous" hot-line. No one answered! Today, there may actually be such a phone line.

The modern Greek word "θεός" (theh-OS) ≈ "god". The modern Greek word "άθεος" (A-theh-os) ≈ "without God".

I do not believe 12.5% of the Bible. I'm an eighth-iest.

9. Saying
Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [kjv]

Some years ago, we had Johnny Cash, Bob Hope and Steve Jobs. Now we have no cash, no hope and no jobs.


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10. Ephesians 2:12
 All 
KJV: That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Greek: οτι ητε εν τω καιρω εκεινω χωρις χριστου απηλλοτριωμενοι της πολιτειας του ισραηλ και ξενοι των διαθηκων της επαγγελιας ελπιδα μη εχοντες και αθεοι εν τω κοσμω

11. Agnostic
The modern Greek word "γνώσις" (GHNO-sees) ≈ "knowledge" which is related to the English word "knowledge". Historically, a "Gnostic" is someone who believes they have "special knowledge".

The modern Greek word "άγνωστος" (A-gno-stos) ≈ "unknown" as in "not known" from which we get the English word "agnostic".

Atheist checklist
The British mathematician, logician and philosopher Bertrand Russel used the term "agnostic" instead of "atheist" since calling oneself an "atheist" is not logical.


Information sign More: Ignorance of agnostic lack of belief
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12. 2 Corinthians 6:6 Ignorant pureness
2 Corinthians 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, [kjv]
εν αγνοτητι εν γνωσει εν μακροθυμια εν χρηστοτητι εν πνευματι αγιω εν αγαπη ανυποκριτω [gnt]

In this verse, the KJV translates what would appear to be "ignorant" but, instead, is "pureness". The Greek word means chaste and comes from another Greek word for "holy" or "sanctified".
Could this meaning have anything to do with "ignorant" as in "not knowing" as in a "blind faith"?

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13. Possible pun
The negation of the word for "knowledge" just happens to be similar to the word for "chaste". The distinction between hard and soft breathing at the start of a word disappeared in the first century BC.
In modern Greek, the omicron (short, small) and omega (long, big) sound the same. In ancient Greek, they would have somewhat similar but yet different sounds. It makes one wonder about puns in the ancient Greek language involving these two words.

Candidates for such puns would be words used only once by Paul that could have a double meaning.

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14. 2 Corinthians 6:6

 All 
KJV: By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
Greek: εν αγνοτητι εν γνωσει εν μακροθυμια εν χρηστοτητι εν πνευματι αγιω εν αγαπη ανυποκριτω
Latin: in castitate in scientia in longanimitate in suavitate in Spiritu Sancto in caritate non ficta
Wycliffe: in chastite, in kunnyng, in long abiding, in swetnesse, in the Hooli Goost,
Gothic: in swiknithai, in kunthja, in laggamodein, in selein, in ahmin weihamma, in frijathwai unhindarweisai,
Luther: in Keuschheit, in Erkenntnis, in Langmut, in Freundlichkeit, in dem Heiligen Geist, in ungefärbter Liebe,

15. Matthew 12:3,5,7 Play on words
Matthew 12:3 … Have ye not read what David did, … [kjv]
ειπενουκ ανεγνωτεεποιησενεπεινασεν … [gnt]
12:5 Or have ye not read in the law, how … [kjv]
ουκ ανεγνωτενομωσαββασινιερειςιερωσαββατον βεβηλουσιναναιτιοι … [gnt]
12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, … [kjv]
ει δε εγνωκειτεεστιν ελεος θελωθυσιανκατεδικασατεαναιτιους [gnt]

Note the play on words in verses 3 and 5 and reemphasized in verse 7, as in yes, that is what I meant. The alpha-negation prefix adds a consonant such as "ν", in a manner similar to the movable nu. This play on words works with the specific verb tense chosen by Jesus.

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16. Exodus 20:16 Do not lie (against neighbor)
Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. [kjv]
ου ψευδομαρτυρησεις κατα του πλησιον σου μαρτυριαν ψευδη [lxx]

C 9This commandment does not say "do not lie". Discuss: How can you "lie" and yet not bear "false witness" against one's "neighbor"?

The ancient Greek word "ψευδής""lying, false, untrue" and is the source of the English word (and prefix) "pseudo". An interesting "paradox" is the "liar paradox".or "Russell Paradox".
The ancient Greek word "μάρτυς""witness" and is the source of the English word "martyr". After the time of Jesus, so many "witnesses" for Christ were killed for their witness that the word meaning narrowed to a witness who is killed for their witness.

Jesus uses the word "neighbor" to refer to all human beings where "believers" are a subset of "neighbors".

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Information sign More: A martyred witness to a translation error
Information sign More: Like a good neighbor, Jesus is there
Information sign More: Exodus 20:1-26 The Ten Commandments

17. Do not no way use double negatives
In "correct" English, one is not to use double negatives. That is, double negatives in English are a no-no! Most languages of the world use double negatives to emphasize the negative aspect of what is being said. So too does Ancient (and modern) Greek. This can create certain translation issues in the GNT (Greek New Testament).

A double negative, translated as "no wise", is used in Greek to be an emphatic negative as in "absolutely no way".

18. Greek negation
Greek has a number of words for negation.
not
These can be combined. The ancient Greek words "ου μη""not not" appear in 137 verses in the GNT. This is a negative that includes both the abstract/potential and the physical/actual.
Other uses of the double negative are usually in the logical sense where two negations do make a positive. Do you know that two positives can make a negative? Yeah, right!

19. Negation

20. Matthew 20:13
Matthew 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? [kjv]
ο δε αποκριθεις ενι αυτων ειπεν εταιρε ουκ αδικω σε ουχι δηναριου συνεφωνησας μοι [gnt]

The Greek word translated as "harm" is that of "unrighteousness".

The two negatives, "no" and "not right" mean "no" "harm".

21. Matthew 20:13
 All 
KJV: But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Greek: ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν ενι αυτων ειπεν εταιρε ουκ αδικω σε ουχι δηναριου συνεφωνησας μοι

22. Luke 1:37 Double negative with God
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. [kjv]
οτι ουκ αδυνατησει παρα του θεου παν ρημα [gnt]

Note the double negative of "not" "impossible" is translated as "nothing" and "impossible". It appears to be a fallacy that Greek always uses a double negative as emphasis.

Possible paraphrase (using all the words): that it is (potentially) possible according to every word of God

The KJV translates as "with God" what would appear to be "of God". It appears that the idiom excuse is used to make the text say what was decided it should say. In doing so, the Greek for "of" and for "spoken word" were removed sometime in the Middle Ages so that the Greek "of God every word" changed to "with God".

Information sign More: Matthew 18:15-17 Conflicting and faulty resolutions

23. Luke 1:37 Not impossible with God
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. [kjv]
οτι ουκ αδυνατησει παρα του θεου παν ρημα [gnt]

Paraphrase: Because (it is) not not potentially possible beyond every spoken word of God. (note the double negative)

The idea of potentially possible means that it has not happened yet. About the 16th c., the "all/every" "spoken word" disappeared. The "of" "God" was changed to "with" "God".

Before this, the following were used.

24. Strongs - uncertainly
*G82 *2 ἄδηλος (ad'-ay-los) : from G1 (as a negative particle) and G1212; hidden, figuratively, indistinct:--appear not, uncertain.
*G84 *1 ἀδήλως (ad-ay'-loce) : adverb from G82 ἄδηλος; uncertainly:--uncertainly.
Word usage per chapter Words: αδηλως

25. Usage - uncertainly
  • *G84 *1 ἀδήλως (ad-ay'-loce) : adverb from G82; uncertainly:--uncertainly.
  •  Usage 
     All 
    • αδηλως
      •   1 Corinthians 9:26 ... run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not ...

26. 1 Corinthians 9:26 Run not with uncertainty
1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: [kjv]
εγω τοινυν ουτως τρεχω ως ουκ αδηλως ουτως πυκτευω ως ουκ αερα δερων [gnt]
curro nonincertumpugnoaerem verberans [v]

The ancient Greek word "τρέχω""run" as in a race and the English word "trek" and as the name of the bicycle company "Trek" or the "trek" in "Star Trek" or "trekie".

Why should one be able to "run" "not" with "uncertainty"?

27. Works and fire
Paul talks about works and fire and salvation. Lot appears to be an example.

1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. [kjv]
εκαστου το εργον φανερον γενησεται η γαρ ημερα δηλωσει οτι εν πυρι αποκαλυπτεται και εκαστου το εργον οποιον εστιν το πυρ αυτο δοκιμασει [gnt]
3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. [kjv]
ει τινος το εργον κατακαησεται ζημιωθησεται αυτος δε σωθησεται ουτως δε ως δια πυρος [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "δήλωσις""explanation, representation" and comes from "δηλόω""show, make known, clarify".

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28. Colossians 1:8 Declaration
Colossians 1:8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. [kjv]
ο και δηλωσας ημιν την υμων αγαπην εν πνευματι [gnt]
manifestavitdilectionemSpiritu [v]

The ancient Greek word "δήλωσις""explanation, representation" and comes from "δηλόω""show, make known, clarify".

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29. Exodus 28:30
Exodus 28:30 And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually. [kjv]
και επιθησεις επι το λογειον της κρισεως την δηλωσιν και την αληθειαν και εσται επι του στηθους ααρων οταν εισπορευηται εις το αγιον εναντιον κυριου και οισει ααρων τας κρισεις των υιων ισραηλ επι του στηθους εναντιον κυριου δια παντος [lxx]

It is not clear as to the meaning of the "Urim" and the "Thummim".

Future topic Details are left as a future topic.


30. Exodus 28:30
   Exodus 28:30 
 All 
KJV: And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.
Hebrew: ונתת אל חשן המשפט את האורים ואת התמים והיו על לב אהרן בבאו לפני יהוה ונשא אהרן את משפט בני ישראל על לבו לפני יהוה תמיד׃
Greek: και επιθησεις επι το λογειον της κρισεως την δηλωσιν και την αληθειαν και εσται επι του στηθους ααρων οταν εισπορευηται εις το αγιον εναντιον κυριου και οισει ααρων τας κρισεις των υιων ισραηλ επι του στηθους εναντιον κυριου δια παντος

31. Leviticus 8:8
Leviticus 8:8 And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim. [kjv]
και επεθηκεν επ αυτην το λογειον και επεθηκεν επι το λογειον την δηλωσιν και την αληθειαν [lxx]


32. Leviticus 8:8
 All 
KJV: And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.
Hebrew: וישם עליו את החשן ויתן אל החשן את האורים ואת התמים׃
Greek: και επεθηκεν επ αυτην το λογειον και επεθηκεν επι το λογειον την δηλωσιν και την αληθειαν

33. Deuteronomy 33:8
Deuteronomy 33:8 And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah; [kjv]
και τω λευι ειπεν δοτε λευι δηλους αυτου και αληθειαν αυτου τω ανδρι τω οσιω ον επειρασαν αυτον εν πειρα ελοιδορησαν αυτον επι υδατος αντιλογιας [lxx]


34. Deuteronomy 33:8
 All 
KJV: And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;
Hebrew: וללוי אמר תמיך ואוריך לאיש חסידך אשר נסיתו במסה תריבהו על מי מריבה׃
Greek: και τω λευι ειπεν δοτε λευι δηλους αυτου και αληθειαν αυτου τω ανδρι τω οσιω ον επειρασαν αυτον εν πειρα ελοιδορησαν αυτον επι υδατος αντιλογιας

35. 1 Corinthians 9:26 Run not without explanation
1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: [kjv]
εγω τοινυν ουτως τρεχω ως ουκ αδηλως ουτως πυκτευω ως ουκ αερα δερων [gnt]

The Greek word translated as "uncertainty" is that of "without explanation". That is, "not" "without explanation" does one "run". The ancient Greek word "δήλωσις""explanation, representation" and comes from "δηλόω""show, make known, clarify". The idea of "uncertainty" comes from the Latin word "incertus""uncertain, hesitating".

Why might the church want one to "run" as "not" with "uncertainty" rather than "not" with "lack of explanation"?

36. 1 Peter 3:15-16
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: [kjv]
κυριον δε τον χριστον αγιασατε εν ταις καρδιαις υμων ετοιμοι αει προς απολογιαν παντι τω αιτουντι υμας λογον περι της εν υμιν ελπιδος αλλα μετα πραυτητος και φοβου [gnt]
3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. [kjv]
συνειδησιν εχοντες αγαθην ινα εν ω καταλαλεισθε καταισχυνθωσιν οι επηρεαζοντες υμων την αγαθην εν χριστω αναστροφην [gnt]

Peter makes statements about the importance of setting a good example. Those that "falsely" accuse you would be using any hypocrisy of your "conversation" (meaning all interactions, verbal or otherwise) in Christ as in "manner of life".

Note that the reason for setting a good example is not that it otherwise negates the teachings of Jesus, but that, many may not believe because, in effect, many are swayed by the "tu quoque" logic fallacy.

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37. 1 Corinthians 9:26 Island of Deios
1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: [kjv]
εγω τοινυν ουτως τρεχω ως ουκ αδηλως ουτως πυκτευω ως ουκ αερα δερων [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "Δῆλος""Island of Deios" associated with Artemis and Apollo.
Folk etymology connects the (island) word with "δῆλος""visible, conspicuous, manifest".

38. 1 Corinthians 9:26
 All 
KJV: I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
Greek: εγω τοινυν ουτως τρεχω ως ουκ αδηλως ουτως πυκτευω ως ουκ αερα δερων
Latin: ego igitur sic curro non quasi in incertum sic pugno non quasi aerem verberans

39. Galatians 2:21 Frustrated translation
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. [kjv]
ουκ αθετω την χαριν του θεου ει γαρ δια νομου δικαιοσυνη αρα χριστος δωρεαν απεθανεν [gnt]
non abicio gratiamlegem iustitiagratis mortuus … [v]

The Greek word translated as "frustrate" is that of "set aside".

The ancient Greek word "ἄθετος""set aside, out of position, unfixed" from the negating alpha prefix and "θετός""placed, put, adopted". The Latin word "abicio""throw or hurl down, give up, overthrow, sell cheaply".

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40. Galatians 2:21 Free gift
Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. [kjv]
ουκ αθετω την χαριν του θεου ει γαρ δια νομου δικαιοσυνη αρα χριστος δωρεαν απεθανεν [gnt]

The Greek word translated as "vain" is that of "free gift". Saying: do not look a gift horse in the mouth.

The ancient Greek word "δωρεάν""free gift"and is the source, through the Greek and later Latin name, of the English name "Dorothy" as, literally, "gift" of "God". The Latin word "gratis""free gift" and is the source of the English words "gratuity", "gratitude", etc. It is unclear how the KJV decided to translate the word as "vain".

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41. Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [kjv]
τη γαρ χαριτι εστε σεσωσμενοι δια πιστεως και τουτο ουκ εξ υμων θεου το δωρον [gnt]
2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. [kjv]
ουκ εξ εργων ινα μη τις καυχησηται [gnt]

The Greek word translated as "lest" is that of "in order that" and "not". Both the actual "no" for "works" and the potential "no" for "boast" are used in Ephesians 2:9.

Information sign More: A joyous thank you for the grace of a gaudy favor
Information sign More: Wesley's front porch analogy of grace

42. Strongs - no
*G3756 *1599 οὐ (oo) : ouk ook, and (before an aspirate) ouch ookh a primary word; the absolute negative (compare G3361) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but.
Word usage per chapter Words: ου=675 ουκ=823 ουχ=106

In Bible Greek terms, "ου""not, no" is said to be an "absolute negative" and expects a "positive answer"

43. Strongs - no
*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.
Word usage per chapter Words: μη=1021 μηγε=8

According to Strongs and Bible Greek teachings: How does this rule work in practice?

44. Ephesians 2:9
Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. [kjv]
ουκ εξ εργων ινα μη τις καυχησηται [gnt]


45. Ephesians 2:9
 All 
KJV: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Greek: ουκ εξ εργων ινα μη τις καυχησηται

46. Negative comparison
Greek English Bible
Greek
Ancient
Greek
ου  not  not ‑ expects
positive answer
not ‑
concrete/actual
μη  not  not ‑ expects
negative answer
not ‑
abstract/potential
ου μη  not ‑ not  emphatic not  not actually and not potentially

It appears that the Ancient Greek meaning fits better in practice than the somewhat contrived and inconsistent Bible Greek meaning.

In Greek, the double negative idea as an emphatic not works only with two words that both mean "not". When, say, a "not" is combined with a negating alpha prefix, the logical positive results.

47. Romans 9:1 The truth lies here
Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, [kjv]
αληθειαν λεγω εν χριστω ου ψευδομαι συμμαρτυρουσης μοι της συνειδησεως μου εν πνευματι αγιω [gnt]

Why does Paul need to say that he "says" the "truth"?

Paraphrase: ... I lie (in actuality) not ...

48. Romans 9:1
   Romans 9:1 
 All 
KJV: I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
Greek: αληθειαν λεγω εν χριστω ου ψευδομαι συμμαρτυρουσης μοι της συνειδησεως μου εν πνευματι αγιω

49. Romans 13:9
Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [kjv]
το γαρ ου μοιχευσεις ου φονευσεις ου κλεψεις ουκ επιθυμησεις και ει τις ετερα εντολη εν τω λογω τουτω ανακεφαλαιουται εν τω αγαπησεις τον πλησιον σου ως σεαυτον [gnt]

The TR adds "not" "bear false witness".

50. Romans 13:9
   Romans 13:9 
 All 
KJV: For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Greek: το γαρ ου μοιχευσεις ου φονευσεις ου κλεψεις ου ψευδομαρτυρησεις ουκ ουκ επιθυμησεις και ει τις ετερα εντολη εν τουτω τω λογω τουτω ανακεφαλαιουται εν τω αγαπησεις τον πλησιον σου ως εαυτον σεαυτον

51. 2 Corinthians 11:31
2 Corinthians 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. [kjv]
ο θεος και πατηρ του κυριου ιησου οιδεν ο ων ευλογητος εις τους αιωνας οτι ου ψευδομαι [gnt]

Why does someone need to say that they do "not" "lie"?

52. 2 Corinthians 11:31
 All 
KJV: The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
Greek: ο θεος και πατηρ του κυριου ημων ιησου χριστου οιδεν ο ων ευλογητος εις τους αιωνας οτι ου ψευδομαι

53. Galatians 1:20
Galatians 1:20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. [kjv]
α δε γραφω υμιν ιδου ενωπιον του θεου οτι ου ψευδομαι [gnt]

Why does someone need to say that they do "not" "lie"?

54. Galatians 1:20
 All 
KJV: Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
Greek: α δε γραφω υμιν ιδου ενωπιον του θεου οτι ου ψευδομαι

55. 1 Timothy 2:7
1 Timothy 2:7 Where unto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. [kjv]
εις ο ετεθην εγω κηρυξ και αποστολος αληθειαν λεγω ου ψευδομαι διδασκαλος εθνων εν πιστει και αληθεια [gnt]

Why does someone need to say that they do "not" "lie"?

It appears that Paul may not have written 1 Timothy. In this case, however, the "not" fits what might be expected.

56. 1 Timothy 2:7
 All 
KJV: Where unto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
Greek: εις ο ετεθην εγω κηρυξ και αποστολος αληθειαν λεγω εν χριστω ου ψευδομαι διδασκαλος εθνων εν πιστει και αληθεια

57. Deuteronomy 5:20
Deuteronomy 5:20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour. [kjv]
ου ψευδομαρτυρησεις κατα του πλησιον σου μαρτυριαν ψευδη [lxx]

Paraphrase: Do not (in actuality) bear false witness against your neighbor.

58. Deuteronomy 5:20
 All 
KJV: Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Hebrew: ולא תענה ברעך עד שוא׃
Greek: ου ψευδομαρτυρησεις κατα του πλησιον σου μαρτυριαν ψευδη

59. Do not do so actually
Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. [kjv]
ου ψευδομαρτυρησεις κατα του πλησιον σου μαρτυριαν ψευδη [lxx]

Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, [kjv]
λεγει αυτω ποιας ο δε ιησους εφη το ου φονευσεις ου μοιχευσεις ου κλεψεις ου ψευδομαρτυρησεις [gnt]

Let us just look at the "false witness" and "lie" parts. In line with the LXX, Matthew records that Jesus uses the same Greek word for "not" as in Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Paraphrase: Do not (in actuality) bear false witness against your neighbor.

60. Matthew 19:18
 All 
KJV: He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Greek: λεγει αυτω ποιας ο δε ιησους ειπεν εφη το ου φονευσεις ου μοιχευσεις ου κλεψεις ου ψευδομαρτυρησεις

61. Mark 10:19 Do not do so potentially
Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. [kjv]
τας εντολας οιδας μη φονευσης μη μοιχευσης μη κλεψης μη ψευδομαρτυρησης μη αποστερησης τιμα τον πατερα σου και την μητερα [gnt]

What Peter remembers and tells Mark omits "adultery" and adds "defrauding" and has a different "not" than in Matthew and Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Paraphrase: Do not (potentially) bear false witness against your neighbor.

Bible Greek reasoning: Since this "not" expects a negative answer, that means one should, in fact, "lie", etc. Does that make sense?

62. Mark 10:19
   Mark 10:19 
 All 
KJV: Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
Greek: τας εντολας οιδας μη μοιχευσης μη φονευσης μη μοιχευσης μη κλεψης μη ψευδομαρτυρησης μη αποστερησης τιμα τον πατερα σου και την μητερα

63. Luke 18:20
   Luke 18:20 
 All 
KJV: Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
Greek: τας εντολας οιδας μη μοιχευσης μη φονευσης μη κλεψης μη ψευδομαρτυρησης τιμα τον πατερα σου και την μητερα σου

64. Luke 18:20
Luke 18:20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. [kjv]
τας εντολας οιδας μη μοιχευσης μη φονευσης μη κλεψης μη ψευδομαρτυρησης τιμα τον πατερα σου και την μητερα [gnt]

What people remember and tells Luke has a different "not" that that recorded in Matthew and Exodus.

Paraphrase: Do not (potentially) bear false witness against your neighbor.

Bible Greek reasoning: Since this "not" expects a negative answer, that means one should, in fact, "lie", etc. Does that make sense?

65. Bible Greek reasoning
Paraphrase 1: Do not (in actuality) bear false witness against your neighbor. (Exodus, Matthew)
Paraphrase 2: Do not (potentially) bear false witness against your neighbor. (Mark, Luke)

What might be the distinction between the "not" words as used in these verses? If copying were involved, who copied whom?

Bible Greek reasoning: Since the "not" in paraphrase 2 expects a negative answer, that means one should, in fact, "lie", etc. Does that make sense?

When faced with rules that do not fit, Bible Greek scholars (who appear to often lack logic skills as needed, for example, in computer science) tend to add more rules, rule exceptions, etc., until, in data science terms, they have over-fit (or memorized) the data. Perhaps the model itself needs adjusted. How about using the ancient Greek model?

[earth-centered vs. sun-centered solar system models]

66. Colossians 3:9 Potential lie
Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; [kjv]
μη ψευδεσθε εις αλληλους απεκδυσαμενοι τον παλαιον ανθρωπον συν ταις πραξεσιν αυτου [gnt]

Besides Mark and Luke, both in the rich young man encounter, the only other place in the GNT and LXX that uses the potential "not" with "lie" or "falsehood" is in Colossians 3:9.

Why would Paul use this potential "not" with "lie" here? Paul uses the actual "not" with "lie" five times elsewhere in his writings. Perhaps Paul did not actually write Colossians.

67. Colossians 3:9
 All 
KJV: Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Greek: μη ψευδεσθε εις αλληλους απεκδυσαμενοι τον παλαιον ανθρωπον συν ταις πραξεσιν αυτου

68. Proverbs 24:28
Proverbs 24:28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. [kjv]
μη ισθι ψευδης μαρτυς επι σον πολιτην μηδε πλατυνου σοις χειλεσιν [lxx]
Be not a false witness against your fellow citizen, neither exaggerate with your lips. [bs3]

The LXX has "fellow citizen" instead of "neighbor" (first part) and "exaggerate" rather than "deceive" (second part).

The "not" is the potential not since it is associated with "be" instead of with "lie".

69. Proverbs 24:28
 All 
KJV: Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.
Hebrew: אל תהי עד חנם ברעך והפתית בשפתיך׃
Greek: μη ισθι ψευδης μαρτυς επι σον πολιτην μηδε πλατυνου σοις χειλεσιν
Brenton: Be not a false witness against your fellow citizen, neither exaggerate with your lips.

70. Proverbs 14:5
Proverbs 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. [kjv]
μαρτυς πιστος ου ψευδεται εκκαιει δε ψευδη μαρτυς αδικος [lxx]
A faithful witness does not lie; but an unjust witness kindles falsehoods. [bs3]

In the second part, the LXX is more in line with the first part than is the KJV which is based on the HOT.

71. Proverbs 14:5
 All 
KJV: A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
Hebrew: עד אמונים לא יכזב ויפיח כזבים עד שקר׃
Greek: μαρτυς πιστος ου ψευδεται εκκαιει δε ψευδη μαρτυς αδικος
Brenton: A faithful witness does not lie; but an unjust witness kindles falsehoods.

72. Matthew 5:18 Not one jot or one tittle
Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. [kjv]
αμην γαρ λεγω υμιν εως αν παρελθη ο ουρανος και η γη ιωτα εν η μια κεραια ου μη παρελθη απο του νομου εως αν παντα γενηται [gnt]

A double negative, translated as "no wise", is used in Greek to be an emphatic negative as in "absolutely no way". Using the "one cookie rule", the emphatic not "one" "jot" and not "one" "tittle" shall "pass by" means the following where there appears to be a double meaning here.

73. Romans 8:39 Dimensions
Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [kjv]
ουτε υψωμα ουτε βαθος ουτε τις κτισις ετερα δυνησεται ημας χωρισαι απο της αγαπης του θεου της εν χριστω ιησου τω κυριω ημων [gnt]
nether heiyth, nether depnesse, nether noon othir creature may departe vs fro the charite of God, that is in`Crist Jhesu oure Lord. [wy]

Note the use of the not uncommon double negative by Wycliffe as the Middle English phrase "nether noon""neither none, neither no one" .

Information sign More: Ephesians 3:18 : From lowest depth to highest height

74. Romans 8:39
   Romans 8:39 
 All 
KJV: Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Greek: ουτε υψωμα ουτε βαθος ουτε τις κτισις ετερα δυνησεται ημας χωρισαι απο της αγαπης του θεου της εν χριστω ιησου τω κυριω ημων
Wycliffe: nether heiyth, nether depnesse, nether noon othir creature may departe vs fro the charite of God, that is in`Crist Jhesu oure Lord.
Tyndale: nether heyth nether loweth nether eny other creature shalbe able to departe vs fro ye love of God shewed in Christ Iesu oure lorde.
Gothic: nih hauhitha nih diupitha nih gaskafts (anthara) magi uns afskaidan af friathwai gudis thizai in xristau iesu, fraujin unsaramma.
Luther: weder Hohes noch Tiefes noch keine andere Kreatur mag uns scheiden von der Liebe Gottes, die in Christo Jesu ist, unserm Herrn.

75. Mark 1:44 Double negative
Mark 1:44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. [kjv]
και λεγει αυτω ορα μηδενι μηδεν ειπης αλλα υπαγε σεαυτον δειξον τω ιερει και προσενεγκε περι του καθαρισμου σου α προσεταξεν μωυσης εις μαρτυριον αυτοις [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "μηδείς""and not one"and comes from two words. The KJV has Jesus saying "nothing" whereas the Greek has a double negative. Most languages other than English use the double negative for emphasis of negation. English uses it for negating the logic of the negation. This causes a number of translation issues.

Information sign More: Mark 1:40-45 Deception by ignoring fault tolerance principles

76. Luke 1:37 Double negative with God
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. [kjv]
οτι ουκ αδυνατησει παρα του θεου παν ρημα [gnt]

Note the double negative of "not" "impossible" is translated as "nothing" and "impossible". It appears to be a fallacy that Greek always uses a double negative as emphasis.

Possible paraphrase (using all the words): that it is (potentially) possible according to every word of God

The KJV translates as "with God" what would appear to be "of God". It appears that the idiom excuse is used to make the text say what was decided it should say. In doing so, the Greek for "of" and for "spoken word" were removed sometime in the Middle Ages so that the Greek "of God every word" changed to "with God".

Information sign More: Matthew 18:15-17 Conflicting and faulty resolutions

77. Translation issues in the GNT involving negation
Reasoning correctly about logical negation is difficult for beginning students in computer science, and even for some professional programmers. It is even more difficult for pastors, commentators, theologians, etc.

The content here covers some translation issues in the GNT involving logical negation.

Since ideas such as "negation" can become confusing, it is best to use logic rules as one does algebra - to transform equations and get results without having to think about what it means until the final result.

... more to be added ...

Information sign More: Translation issues in the GNT involving negation

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