BIBLE GREEK WORD STUDY
Oude — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
Oude is a Greek conjunction used to negate a second item after a prior negation, typically rendered 'neither, nor, or not even.'
Meaning of the word
Oude (οὐδέ) is a coordinating conjunction that joins and negates a second element following an earlier negation. It functions similarly to 'neither,' 'nor,' or 'not even,' reinforcing the negative force already present in the context.
Its basic definition is 'not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even.' The word combines the negative particle ou (οὐ) with the connective de (δέ), and it is used exclusively in negative constructions — it cannot stand alone as an independent negative.
Usage in Scripture
Oude appears 22 times across 19 verses, concentrated heavily in the Gospels of Matthew and John. In Matthew's Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5–7), it repeatedly links parallel negative statements, such as 'neither do they reap' (Matt 6:26) and 'neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit' (Matt 7:18). In each case, the conjunction joins two negated clauses to emphasize completeness — not even one exception applies.
In John's Gospel, oude carries theological weight. John 1:3 uses it to assert that 'without him was not anything made that hath been made,' extending the negation to cover all of creation. John 1:25 stacks multiple instances ('neither Elijah, neither the prophet') to exhaust alternatives, showing how oude can intensify an exclusive claim.
The word in detail
- G3761 Oude (οὐδέ) — a negative coordinating conjunction, 'neither, nor, not even.' It always follows or accompanies an earlier negation; it is not used as an absolute negative.
Example verses
- Matthew 6:15 Oude links two clauses about forgiveness: human refusal to forgive means the Father's forgiveness will not apply either. The conjunction ties human and divine forgiveness into one inseparable negative.
- Matthew 6:26 Used in Jesus' teaching on worry: the birds 'sow not, neither do they reap.' Oude extends the negation from one activity to another, emphasizing total lack of self-provision among the birds.
- John 1:3 In the prologue, oude ('without him was not anything') universalizes the negation: the creative work of the Logos excludes nothing — every created thing came through him.
- John 1:25 Stacked uses of oude ('neither Elijah, neither the prophet') exhaust the candidates John the Baptist is not. The conjunction builds an exhaustive list to rule out every alternative identity.
Common questions
What does oude (G3761) mean?
It is a Greek conjunction meaning 'neither, nor, or not even.' It connects and negates a second element following an earlier negation in a sentence.
Can oude stand alone as a negation?
No. Oude always appears in a context where a negation has already been stated or implied. It reinforces an existing negative rather than introducing one on its own.
Where is oude most frequent in the New Testament?
The 22 occurrences are concentrated in the Gospels, especially Matthew (Sermon on the Mount) and John (the prologue and early chapters).