Original Word: μέν
Part of Speech: Particle, Disjunctive Particle
Transliteration: mén
Pronunciation: men
Phonetic Spelling: (mane)
Definition: indeed, truly, on the one hand
Meaning: assuredly, certainly.

surely

A stronger form of men; a particle of affirmation (only with e); assuredly -- + surely.

see GREEK men

see GREEK e

Word Origin
a strengthened form of men
Definition
certainly
NASB Translation
surely* (1).

STRONGS NT 3375: μήν (Prtcl)

μήν (Prtcl) ((from Homer down)), a particle of affirmation, verily, certainly, truly (Wis. 6:25); ἤ μήν, see under ἤ at the end.

Word Origin: A primary particle of affirmation, often used in contrast or correlation with another particle, such as δέ (de).

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct equivalent of μέν in Hebrew, as it is a Greek particle used for emphasis and contrast. However, similar functions in Hebrew might be achieved through the use of conjunctions or particles that set up parallel or contrasting statements, such as ו (vav) for "and" or אכן (aken) for "surely." These do not correspond directly but serve similar purposes in structuring sentences.

Usage: The particle μέν is frequently used in Greek to emphasize a statement or to introduce a clause that will be contrasted with another clause. It is often paired with δέ (de) to form a balanced construction, such as "on the one hand... on the other hand."

Context: The Greek particle μέν is a versatile tool in the New Testament, serving primarily to emphasize or contrast statements. It is not typically translated directly into English but serves a structural role in the sentence. In many cases, μέν is used to set up a statement that will be followed by a contrasting or complementary statement introduced by δέ (de). This construction helps to clarify the relationship between two ideas, providing a nuanced understanding of the text.

For example, in Philippians 1:18 (BSB), Paul uses μέν to emphasize his point: "What, then, is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice." Here, μέν is part of the structure that highlights the importance of Christ being proclaimed, regardless of the circumstances.

The particle is also used in other contexts to affirm a statement or to introduce a list of items, where it serves to highlight the first item before moving on to others. Its role is more about the flow and emphasis of the narrative or argument rather than contributing a specific lexical meaning.

μην μὴν men mēn mḕnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts