← Back to Lexicon
G3254 · Greek · New Testament
μήτιγε
mētige
Particle (Interrogative)
Let Alone / Much More / How Much More

Definition

Mētige (μήτιγε, G3254) is an emphatic interrogative particle meaning 'let alone,' 'much more,' or 'how much more indeed.' From mēti (surely not? / how much less?) + ge (emphatic particle: indeed/at least). Appears in 1 Corinthians 6:3 — 'Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more (mētige) the things of this life!' Paul uses it to argue from the greater to the lesser: if believers will judge cosmic powers, certainly they can settle earthly disputes.

Usage & Theological Significance

Mētige — 'how much more!' — is the linguistic engine of the a fortiori argument, a favorite Pauline rhetorical move. The logic: if X is true (the greater), then Y is certainly true (the lesser). The cosmic dignity of believers exceeds their earthly problems. 1 Corinthians 6:2–3 grounds the argument in eschatology: 'Do you not know that the Lord's people will judge the world... Do you not know that we will judge angels?' If this eschatological authority is real, then settling petty disputes should be trivial. This is applied to Christian identity: your calling is so high that your present difficulties are, by comparison, small. Romans 5:9–10 uses the same logic: 'Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more (pollō mallon) shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!' The good news keeps unfolding from lesser to greater, and mētige is the hinge.

Key Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 6:3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more (mētige) the things of this life!
1 Corinthians 6:2 Or do you not know that the Lord's people will judge the world?
Romans 5:9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!
Romans 5:10 For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
Matthew 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️