Brief Overview of αὐτός (G846: autos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: autos

Root Words: The Greek word αὐτός (autos) is a pronoun that translates to “self” or “same” in English. It is a common pronoun in Greek used to indicate identity, emphasis, or sameness.

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Primary Meanings:

• Self: Refers to the individual or entity itself, often used for emphasis on identity or personal involvement.
• Same: Indicates sameness or identity with something previously mentioned.
• He/She/It: Functions as a third-person pronoun, translating to “he,” “she,” or “it” depending on the context.
• Himself/Herself/Itself: Used reflexively to refer back to the subject of the sentence.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes αὐτός as a pronoun with several usages. It can mean “self” when used to emphasize the individual involved, or “same” when stressing identity or equivalence. BDAG notes its function as a third-person pronoun and its reflexive use to indicate that the subject is acting upon themselves. This flexibility makes it a versatile term in Greek grammar.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon provides a comprehensive definition of αὐτός, noting its primary use as a pronoun meaning “he,” “she,” “it,” “they,” or “self.” Thayer’s highlights that it can indicate identity, personal involvement, or emphasize the sameness of the subject or object.

Vines: In Vines’ Expository Dictionary, αὐτός is defined as “self” or “same,” and it is used to emphasize the identity of the subject. It is a versatile pronoun that serves various grammatical roles, including as a third-person pronoun and in reflexive constructions.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon describes αὐτός as a pronoun used to indicate identity or sameness, often translated as “self” or “same.” It functions as a third-person pronoun and can also be used reflexively.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines αὐτός as “he,” “she,” “it,” “the same,” or “self.” The emphasis is on its use to denote identity, sameness, or self-reference.

Bible Verses:

• Matthew 16:18 (KJV): “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
• Here, αὐτός is used to refer to Peter (“thou art Peter”), emphasizing the identity of the individual.
• John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
• αὐτός is used in “whosoever believeth in him,” referring to Jesus (the Son), indicating identity.
• 1 John 4:16 (KJV): “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”
• In this verse, αὐτός is used to emphasize the reciprocal relationship between God and the believer.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In the Iliad, Homer frequently uses αὐτός to refer to the subject or emphasize the personal identity of characters in various contexts.
• Aristotle: In his works, Aristotle uses αὐτός to discuss identity and characteristics, reflecting the pronoun’s use in philosophical discourse to denote the essence of entities or concepts.
• Plato: In dialogues such as The Republic, Plato employs αὐτός to emphasize the sameness or identity of abstract concepts and individuals within his philosophical arguments.

4. Summary:

αὐτός (autos) is a Greek pronoun meaning “self,” “same,” or serving as a third-person pronoun (“he,” “she,” “it”). It is used to indicate identity, emphasize personal involvement, or denote sameness. As described in BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ, αὐτός is versatile, functioning in various grammatical roles including reflexive constructions. Its use in the Bible and classical literature highlights its importance in emphasizing identity and personal reference. Understanding αὐτός provides insight into how identity and emphasis are conveyed in Greek grammar and literary contexts.