Brief Overview of ἐκεῖνος (Strong’s G1565: ekeínos)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the original meanings and nuances of the New Testament text. The Greek word ἐκεῖνος (ekeínos) is particularly significant because it is a demonstrative pronoun that often serves to highlight or specify particular persons or things in the text. It is used extensively throughout the New Testament to point to individuals, events, or objects, drawing the reader’s attention to them in a distinct way. The study of ἐκεῖνος not only helps in understanding specific passages but also offers insight into how emphasis and focus are conveyed in ancient Greek, adding depth to our understanding of New Testament teachings and narratives.

Key Information

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• Greek Word: ἐκεῖνος (ekeínos) [eh-KAY-nos]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek word ἐκεῖ (ekeí), meaning “there,” combined with the demonstrative suffix -νος (-nos), which is used to indicate something distant in time or place.
• Part of Speech: Demonstrative pronoun (third person), with declensions in gender (masculine, feminine, neuter), number (singular, plural), and case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• That one: Refers to a specific person, object, or event that is distant either in location or in the context of the conversation.
• He/She/It: Often used in place of personal pronouns to add emphasis, particularly when distinguishing one subject from another.
• The one there: Can be used to indicate something previously mentioned or known in the context.

Similar Words:

• οὗτος (hoútos) [HOO-tos]: Another demonstrative pronoun meaning “this” or “these,” which is typically used to refer to something near in time, place, or thought, in contrast to ἐκεῖνος which refers to something farther away.
• αὐτός (autós) [ow-TOS]: A pronoun meaning “he, she, it,” which can function as both a simple pronoun or, when used in combination with ἐκεῖνος, can emphasize the subject being discussed.

Further Insights

• Morphology: ἐκεῖνος is fully declined across gender, number, and case, making it adaptable to a wide range of grammatical contexts. The word’s flexibility allows it to function in various syntactical roles, emphasizing different subjects or objects depending on the context.

Morphology Table

Examples:

• Nominative: ἐκεῖνος ἐστιν (That one is).
• Genitive: τοῦ ἐκείνου φίλου (Of that friend).
• Dative: ἐκείνῳ δίδωμι (I give to that one).
• Accusative: βλέπω ἐκεῖνον (I see that one).

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: ἐκεῖνος is noted for its use in distinguishing or emphasizing a particular person, object, or event. It often functions to clarify or intensify the subject within a narrative or discourse.
• Thayer’s: Discusses ἐκεῖνος as a pronoun that adds emphasis to the subject, especially when differentiating it from others. Its use is frequent in the Gospels when pointing to Jesus or specific miracles.
• Vine’s: Highlights how ἐκεῖνος functions as a pointer to significant individuals or objects, especially in parables or teachings of Jesus where specific figures are contrasted.
• LSJ: Notes its use in classical literature as a way to refer to persons or things at a distance, either literally or figuratively, adding depth to descriptions or narratives.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἐκεῖνος as a demonstrative pronoun used to draw attention to someone or something mentioned previously or at a distance in the narrative.

Scripture References:

• John 14:26 – “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he (ἐκεῖνος) shall teach you all things.”
• Matthew 24:36 – “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
• Luke 17:31 – “In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.”

Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, ἐκεῖνος was used similarly to distinguish and emphasize persons or objects at a distance, either in location or thought.

Summary of ἐκεῖνος (G1565: ekeínos)

The Greek demonstrative pronoun ἐκεῖνος (ekeínos) is a versatile and significant word in the New Testament, used to emphasize and distinguish particular subjects within the narrative. Its primary meanings focus on pointing to “that one” or “he/she/it,” often adding clarity or emphasis in passages where multiple subjects are present. Understanding ἐκεῖνος enriches our comprehension of the text, especially in how the New Testament authors structured their stories and teachings to direct attention to specific persons or events. This word’s importance extends beyond its simple function as a pronoun, as it plays a key role in the theology and narrative flow of the New Testament.

Did You Know?

The word ἐκεῖνος is not only used to refer to distant objects or people in physical space, but it can also indicate something distant in time, such as future events or distant memories. This dual functionality adds a rich layer of meaning to its use in both biblical and classical Greek texts.