Brief Overview of αὐτοῦ (G847: autou)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: autou

Root Words: The Greek word αὐτοῦ (autou) is a possessive pronoun derived from αὐτός (autos), which means “self” or “same.” It is used to indicate possession or association.

Primary Meanings:

• His/Her/Its: Indicates possession by a third person, translating to “his,” “her,” or “its.”
• Of Him/Her/It: Used to show that something belongs to or is associated with the subject.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes αὐτοῦ as a possessive pronoun used to denote possession or association with a third person. It is the genitive form of αὐτός (autos) and often translates as “his,” “her,” or “its,” depending on the context. BDAG emphasizes its role in indicating ownership or connection in relation to the subject.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines αὐτοῦ as the genitive form of αὐτός (autos), meaning “his,” “her,” or “its.” It is used to indicate possession, belonging, or relation, and it functions in various contexts to denote that something is associated with or owned by the subject.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary describes αὐτοῦ as a genitive form of αὐτός (autos) meaning “his” or “of him.” It is used to show possession or association with the subject mentioned in the sentence.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon explains that αὐτοῦ is used in the genitive case to express possession or relation. It translates as “his,” “her,” or “its,” and it denotes that something belongs to or is related to the subject of the sentence.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines αὐτοῦ as “his,” “her,” “its,” or “of him.” It is the genitive form of αὐτός (autos) and is used to indicate possession or connection to the subject.

Bible Verses:

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• Matthew 5:18 (KJV): “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
• Here, αὐτοῦ refers to the law, indicating possession or association with the subject (“the law”).
• John 1:12 (KJV): “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
• In this verse, αὐτοῦ refers to Jesus, indicating that the power given is associated with Jesus (“his name”).
• Ephesians 1:14 (KJV): “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
• αὐτοῦ here refers to God or Christ, indicating ownership or association (“his glory”).

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In the Iliad and the Odyssey, Homer uses possessive pronouns similar to αὐτοῦ to indicate ownership or association with characters or objects, demonstrating its use in epic narratives.
• Aristotle: Aristotle’s works often use possessive forms to discuss concepts or properties belonging to subjects, reflecting the grammatical function of αὐτοῦ in philosophical and scientific contexts.
• Plato: In dialogues such as The Republic, Plato employs possessive pronouns to denote relationships or ownership related to the concepts or individuals discussed, illustrating its use in philosophical arguments.

4. Summary:

αὐτοῦ (autou) is the genitive form of αὐτός (autos), translating to “his,” “her,” or “its” in English. It is used to indicate possession or association with a third person. As described in BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ, αὐτοῦ denotes that something belongs to or is related to the subject. Its use in the Bible and classic Greek literature underscores its role in conveying possession or connection. Understanding αὐτοῦ helps in grasping the nuances of possession and relationship in Greek grammar and texts.