Greek word · Strong's G3361

μή

mḗ · word · “not, lest”

In a sentence

Mē is one of Greek's two words for "not" — the subjective negation used in commands, prayers, and possibilities. "Do not (mē) be anxious about anything."

Mē negates wishes, commands, and contingent statements, while ou negates plain fact. Greek thus distinguishes "is not" from "let it not be."

Many of the New Testament's great imperatives turn on mē: do not fear, do not be anxious, do not let your hearts be troubled. Mē genoito ("may it never be!") is Paul's explosive denial in Romans.

Strong's reference

Definition: (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas G3756 (οὐ) expects an affirmative one)) whether

KJV usage: 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

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” Romans 6:2 “Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.