μενοῦνγε

From the study of Luke 11:28

Range of meaning

A compound particle (μέν + οὖν). In replies it can (1) correct the previous speaker, 'nay rather, on the contrary', or (2) agree and go further, 'yes indeed, and more than that'. Classical writers use it both ways. BDAG gives 'rather, on the contrary' and notes the strengthening sense as well.

Against the English

KJV/YLT 'Yea rather' leans toward agreeing and going further. WEB and NASB 'On the contrary' lean toward correction. BSB/NIV/ESV 'rather' keeps the ambiguity. NLT 'even more blessed' clearly reads it as agreement plus intensification.

How it drifted

The particle no longer exists in English, so every translation has to choose a side. Readers then hear either a rebuke or a compliment more strongly than the Greek requires.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the New Testament: Rom 9:20 ('who are you, O man…', clearly corrective); Rom 10:18 ('indeed, their voice has gone out', clearly affirming); Phil 3:8 ('indeed, I count everything as loss', intensifying). This spread shows that the same particle can work either way, and context decides.

From the study of Romans 10:18

Range of meaning

A combination of μέν, οὖν and γε that corrects what came before. It can mean "rather", "on the contrary", or "yes indeed", depending on whether it overturns or strengthens what was said.

Against the English

KJV has "Yes verily", WEB "Yes, most certainly", BSB and ESV "Indeed", and NIV "Of course". All of them capture the strong affirmation. Few bring out its corrective edge: "Not so. Far from not hearing, …"

Used elsewhere in the period

In the New Testament it occurs only in Romans 9:20 ("On the contrary, who are you, O man…?"), Philippians 3:8, and possibly Luke 11:28 (as μενοῦν). Classical writers did not put it first in a sentence. Paul does, which reflects ordinary first-century usage.

From the study of Romans 9:20

Range of meaning

A combination of particles (μέν + οὖν + γε) used to correct or to strengthen: "rather," "on the contrary," "indeed, yes." Classical Greek did not put it at the start of a sentence. The NT does (Luke 11:28; Romans 10:18; Philippians 3:8).

Against the English

KJV "Nay but" and NASB "On the contrary" read it as correcting. WEB "But indeed" reads it as strengthening. BSB folds it into "But."

Used elsewhere in the period

Luke 11:28 ("Rather, blessed are those who hear…") corrects what was just said. Romans 10:18 ("Indeed they have") strengthens it. BDAG treats it as either correcting or emphasising, depending on context.