ναί
nai
yes
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ναί (nai) is a simple yet significant term that translates to "yes" in English. With 35 occurrences in the Bible, it is a word that is used frequently in various contexts. Its meaning is straightforward, serving as an affirmative response to a question or statement. The range of usage for ναί is quite broad, appearing in both formal and informal settings. It is often used in response to a question, but it can also be used to express agreement or confirmation. In some cases, ναί is used to emphasize a point or to indicate a strong affirmation. Despite its simplicity, ναί holds significance in the biblical text. It is often used in dialogue and conversation, providing insight into the interactions and relationships between characters. By analyzing the use of ναί, readers can gain a better understanding of the tone and dynamics of these interactions, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
35 total occurrences across the text
But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.
Matthew 5:37But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.
Matthew 9:28When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They told him, “Yes, Lord.”
Matthew 11:9But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.
Matthew 11:26Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.
Matthew 13:51Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They answered him, “Yes, Lord.”
Matthew 15:27But she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
Matthew 17:25He said, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?”
Matthew 21:16and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes. Did you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing babies you have perfected praise?’ ”
Mark 7:28But she answered him, “Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
Luke 7:26But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.
Luke 10:21In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.”
Luke 11:51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.’ Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation.
Luke 12:5But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
John 11:27She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, he who comes into the world.”
John 21:15So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
John 21:16He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
Acts 5:8Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
Acts 22:27The commanding officer came and asked him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” He said, “Yes.”
Romans 3:29Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn’t he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
2 Corinthians 1:17When I therefore was thus determined, did I show fickleness? Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the “Yes, yes” and the “No, no?”
2 Corinthians 1:17When I therefore was thus determined, did I show fickleness? Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the “Yes, yes” and the “No, no?”
2 Corinthians 1:18But as God is faithful, our word toward you was not “Yes and no.”
2 Corinthians 1:19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy, was not “Yes and no,” but in him is “Yes.”
2 Corinthians 1:19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy, was not “Yes and no,” but in him is “Yes.”
2 Corinthians 1:20For however many are the promises of God, in him is the “Yes.” Therefore also through him is the “Amen”, to the glory of God through us.
Philippians 4:3Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Philemon 1:20Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord.
James 5:12But above all things, my brothers, don’t swear— not by heaven, or by the earth, or by any other oath; but let your “yes” be “yes”, and your “no”, “no”, so that you don’t fall into hypocrisy.
James 5:12But above all things, my brothers, don’t swear— not by heaven, or by the earth, or by any other oath; but let your “yes” be “yes”, and your “no”, “no”, so that you don’t fall into hypocrisy.
Revelation 1:7Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen.
Revelation 14:13I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.”
Revelation 16:7I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments.”
Revelation 22:20He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I come quickly.” Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:20He who testifies these things says, “Yes, I come quickly.” Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus.