An Exegetical Analysis of μηδέν in Revelation 2:10
This exegesis examines the precise meaning and grammatical function of the Greek word μηδέν in Revelation 2:10, addressing its role within the imperative construction μηδὲν φοβοῦ and its relationship to the subsequent clause ἃ μέλλεις πάσχειν. The discussion will navigate potential interpretations of μηδέν as either an adverbial intensifier or a pronominal object, drawing on comparative textual examples and established lexical resources to clarify its semantic range in the context of a divine exhortation to endurance amidst impending persecution.
Μηδὲν φοβοῦ ἃ μέλλεις πάσχειν· ἰδοὺ μέλλει βαλεῖν ὁ διάβολος ἐξ ὑμῶν εἰς φυλακήν, ἵνα πειρασθῆτε, καὶ ἕξετε θλῖψιν ἡμερῶν δέκα. Γίνου πιστὸς ἄχρι θανάτου, καὶ δώσω σοι τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- The punctuation following πάσχειν: Nestle 1904 uses a semicolon (·), while SBLGNT 2010 uses a period (.). This minor difference primarily affects rhetorical flow, suggesting a slightly stronger pause in SBLGNT.
- No other significant lexical or grammatical differences are present between the Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010 editions for this verse. (Note: A common variant, not present in Nestle 1904 or SBLGNT 2010, includes δή after ἰδοὺ in some textual traditions.)
Textual Criticism and Lexical Notes
The form μηδέν (neuter accusative singular of μηδείς) is consistently attested across major critical editions for Revelation 2:10, including NA28, SBLGNT, and earlier editions like Nestle 1904. There are no significant textual variants for this particular word in this verse. However, it is worth noting that some textual traditions, particularly the Textus Receptus (TR), include the particle δή after ἰδοὺ (`ἰδοὺ δή μέλλει…`). This variant, `ιδου δη`, was also present in the unaccented transcription provided in the initial inquiry, but it is not supported by the most authoritative manuscripts (e.g., א A P) and is consequently absent from critical editions like NA28 and SBLGNT.
Lexically, the interpretation of μηδέν is crucial. According to BDAG (3rd ed., p. 647, s.v. μηδείς 2bβ), the neuter accusative singular μηδέν can function adverbially, meaning “in no way” or “not at all.” This adverbial usage is particularly common in prohibitive commands. The distinction between the objective negation οὐ (or its compounds like οὐδείς) and the subjective/prohibitive negation μή (or its compounds like μηδείς) is fundamental. Μή is typically used with imperatives, subjunctives, and infinitives to express will, prohibition, or condition. In the present context of Revelation 2:10, the imperative φοβοῦ (“fear!”) naturally takes the prohibitive μηδέν.
Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT, vol. IV, pp. 627-635, s.v. μηδείς) further elaborates on the emphatic nature of μηδείς. It underscores that while οὐδείς denotes an objective non-existence, μηδείς implies a subjective non-existence or a negation of will, often carrying a strong emotional or rhetorical force, especially in prohibitions. The neuter form, μηδέν, when used adverbially, intensifies this negation, meaning “not in the slightest degree” or “absolutely nothing.”
Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The core exegetical challenge in Revelation 2:10 lies in the precise grammatical relationship and semantic contribution of μηδέν to the command φοβοῦ and the subsequent clause ἃ μέλλεις πάσχειν. The initial question raised regarding μηδέν‘s agreement with ἃ (neuter plural accusative relative pronoun) highlights a common point of potential misunderstanding. Here, μηδέν is not an adjective modifying ἃ. Instead, it functions adverbially, modifying the imperative verb φοβοῦ.
Grammatical Analysis:
- μηδὲν φοβοῦ: The verb φοβοῦ is a present middle imperative from φοβέομαι, meaning “do not be fearing,” or “stop fearing.” The middle voice implies fearing for oneself or being afraid. Μηδέν functions as an adverbial accusative, intensifying the negation of the command. It means “in no way,” “not at all,” or “nothing.” Thus, the phrase means “Do not fear at all” or “Fear nothing.”
- ἃ μέλλεις πάσχειν: This clause serves as the direct object of the verb φοβοῦ. ἃ is the neuter plural accusative relative pronoun, referring to “the things which” or “what.” μέλλεις is the present indicative of μέλλω (“to be about to”), and πάσχειν is the present active infinitive (“to suffer”). The full clause translates to “the things which you are about to suffer.” The command, therefore, is not to fear “what you are about to suffer.”
- The construction implies a direct prohibition against fearing the specific, impending persecutions. The adverbial force of μηδέν makes the command absolute and comprehensive: no aspect of the future suffering should evoke fear.
Comparative Analysis of μηδέν and οὐδέν:
- Luke 4:35: μηδὲν βλάψαν αὐτόν (“having harmed him in no way”). Here, μηδέν again functions adverbially with the participle βλάψαν, emphasizing the complete lack of harm. This reinforces the understanding of μηδέν‘s capacity for strong negation in adverbial contexts.
- Acts 16:28: Μηδὲν πράξῃς σεαυτῷ κακόν (“Do not do anything bad to yourself”). In this prohibitive subjunctive, μηδέν is a pronominal object modifying κακόν, meaning “nothing bad.” While still a prohibition, its grammatical role is closer to a pronoun here, indicating “nothing” of a specific quality (“bad”). This demonstrates the flexibility of μηδέν, although its primary function in Revelation 2:10 is adverbial.
- Mark 14:60: Οὐκ ἀποκρίνῃ οὐδέν; (“Do you not answer anything?”). This example illustrates the use of οὐδέν with objective negation (οὐκ). Here, οὐκ negates the verb ἀποκρίνῃ (“do you answer?”), and οὐδέν functions as a pronominal direct object meaning “nothing” or “anything.” The phrase is a rhetorical question employing a double negative for emphasis, essentially asking, “Are you giving no answer at all?” The use of οὐδέν with οὐκ underscores a factual or objective inquiry, distinct from the volitional/prohibitive context of μηδέν.
Rhetorical Analysis:
The command μηδὲν φοβοῦ carries significant rhetorical weight. It is an exhortation to unwavering courage and trust in the face of imminent tribulation. By employing μηδέν adverbially, the speaker (Jesus Christ through John) demands a complete absence of fear, not merely a reduction of it. This absolute prohibition serves to strengthen the resolve of the persecuted church in Smyrna, grounding their faithfulness in a comprehensive confidence that transcends their physical circumstances. The subsequent description of suffering (“imprisonment,” “ten days of tribulation”) highlights the severity of the challenge, making the command to “fear nothing” even more profound and demanding of absolute trust.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The analysis demonstrates that in Revelation 2:10, μηδέν functions adverbially, modifying the imperative φοβοῦ. It signifies a comprehensive prohibition, urging the church in Smyrna to experience “no fear at all” concerning the imminent sufferings. This understanding aligns with the lexical data provided by BDAG and the theological emphasis on subjective/prohibitive negation found in Kittel.
Based on this exegesis, the following translation suggestions are offered for Revelation 2:10a:
- “Fear nothing of what you are about to suffer.” This translation emphasizes the object of the prohibition (nothing should be feared) and maintains the direct relationship to the impending sufferings.
- “Do not fear at all what you are about to suffer.” This option highlights the strong adverbial force of μηδέν, emphasizing the absolute nature of the command not to be afraid.
- “Be not afraid of any of what you are about to suffer.” This phrasing uses a more emphatic, slightly archaic construction to convey the complete absence of fear desired by the command.