BIBLE GREEK WORD STUDY
Monos (μόνος) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
Monos (μόνον) is a Greek adverb/adjective form meaning 'only' or 'merely,' used in the NT to narrow a claim, exclude alternatives, or set up a 'not only… but also' contrast.
Meaning of the word
The form μόνον (Strong's G3440) is the accusative neuter singular of μόνος, functioning as an adverb meaning 'only,' 'merely,' or 'alone.' It narrows the scope of the verb or noun it modifies, signaling that something is restricted to a single referent or that nothing more is being claimed.
In many NT passages it appears in the common rhetorical phrase 'not only…but also' (Greek οὐ μόνον… ἀλλὰ καὶ), which heightens a point by adding a second, often greater, element. By itself, μόνον can also carry a slightly limiting or corrective tone, hinting that the mention is insufficient on its own.
Usage in Scripture
Monos in its neuter adverbial form μόνον appears 12 times in the NT, most heavily in Romans. Paul repeatedly uses 'not only…but also' to escalate an argument—moving from present hardship to hope (Rom 5:3), from reconciliation to rejoicing in God (5:11), and from groaning to awaiting adoption (8:23).
In 1 Corinthians 15:19 the word carries a sobering edge: if Christians have hoped in Christ μόνον 'only' for this life, they are 'of all people most to be pitied,' implying a merely-this-world hope is inadequate. In John 17:20 Jesus prays 'not only' for the disciples but for all future believers, widening the scope of his high-priestly intercession.
The word in detail
- G3440 G3440 (μόνος) covers the lemma and its case forms. The occurrences counted for this page (12) correspond to the accusative neuter singular μόνον used adverbially. Definition given: 'merely.'
Example verses
- Romans 5:3 Example of the 'not only…but also' pattern: 'not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations.'
- Romans 8:23 Paul widens the scope from creation to believers themselves: 'not only so, but ourselves also…groan.'
- 1 Corinthians 15:19 Monos used limitingly: hope in Christ 'only' for this life leaves believers most pitiable.
- John 17:20 Jesus prays 'not only' for the present disciples but also for future believers through their word.
Common questions
Is G3440 an adjective or adverb?
The lemma μόνος is an adjective ('alone, only'), but the form μόνον (neuter accusative) functions as an adverb meaning 'only' or 'merely.'
How many times does μόνον appear in the New Testament?
This form is counted 12 times across 12 distinct verses, with Romans containing the largest concentration.
What is the typical phrase built with μόνον?
It frequently appears in 'οὐ μόνον… ἀλλὰ καὶ' ('not only…but also'), a rhetorical escalation device used often by Paul.