Brief Overview of ἐμαυτοῦ (Strong’s G1683: emautou)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for a deeper comprehension of the New Testament and the cultural context in which it was written. One such word, ἐμαυτοῦ (emautou), plays a significant role in expressing personal agency and self-reference in the Greek language. This word is particularly important for interpreting New Testament passages where individuals speak about themselves, reflecting the nuances of self-perception and individual identity in ancient Greek culture. The study of ἐμαυτοῦ not only aids in understanding the linguistic structure of the New Testament but also offers insights into the broader socio-cultural mindset of the time.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: ἐμαυτοῦ (emautou) [eh-mah-oo-TOO]
• Etymology: This word is a compound formed from the Greek pronoun ἐγώ (egō), meaning “I,” and αὐτός (autos), meaning “self” or “same.” Together, they form a reflexive pronoun that emphasizes self-reference.
• Part of Speech: Reflexive pronoun (masculine or feminine, depending on context; genitive case). Reflexive pronouns in Greek are used to indicate that the subject of the verb is also its object, as in “I love myself.”
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Primary Meanings:

• Of Myself: The primary meaning of ἐμαυτοῦ is “of myself” or “my own,” used to indicate possession or relationship to oneself. It is a reflexive pronoun, emphasizing that the action or possession pertains directly to the speaker.
• By Myself: In certain contexts, ἐμαυτοῦ can be used to imply an action done by oneself, highlighting the personal involvement of the speaker in the action.

Similar Words:

• ἑαυτοῦ (heautou) [heh-ah-oo-TOO]: Another reflexive pronoun in Greek, which is often used more generally to refer to oneself. While ἐμαυτοῦ specifically refers to “myself,” ἑαυτοῦ can be used to refer to oneself in a more general sense.
• σου (sou) [soo]: This word means “your” or “of you” and serves as the second person equivalent to ἐμαυτοῦ, indicating possession or relationship to the person being addressed.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐμαυτοῦ is a genitive singular form, indicating possession or close relationship. Its function as a reflexive pronoun means it is used when the subject of the sentence performs an action on themselves. For example, in the phrase “I love myself,” the word ἐμαυτοῦ would be used to indicate the “myself” component.
• Linguistic Features: This word highlights the Greek language’s flexibility in expressing self-reference, which is crucial for understanding the subtleties of personal pronouns in the New Testament. The reflexive pronouns in Greek, such as ἐμαυτοῦ, are often used in a variety of ways to convey emphasis, possession, and personal involvement in actions.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon identifies ἐμαυτοῦ as a reflexive pronoun used primarily in the genitive case to indicate possession or self-reference. It is particularly noted in passages where the speaker emphasizes their own actions or possessions.

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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon explains that ἐμαυτοῦ is used to refer to oneself in a reflexive manner, often found in contexts where the speaker is discussing actions performed by themselves or possessions belonging to themselves.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes the role of ἐμαυτοῦ in reflecting the Greek language’s ability to articulate personal involvement in actions, particularly in the context of New Testament theology where self-sacrifice and personal agency are significant themes.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broad overview of reflexive pronouns in Greek, including ἐμαυτοῦ, noting its use in classical literature as well as in the New Testament. The focus is on its role in indicating self-reference and possession.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance categorizes ἐμαυτοῦ as a reflexive pronoun used in the genitive case to express “of myself” or “by myself.” It highlights the word’s importance in passages where personal involvement and self-reference are crucial for understanding the text.

Scripture References:

• John 7:17 – “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority (ἐμαυτοῦ).”
• Romans 11:4 – “But what is God’s reply to him? ‘I have kept for myself (ἐμαυτοῦ) seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.'”
• 2 Corinthians 12:5 – “On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf (ἐμαυτοῦ) I will not boast, except of my weaknesses.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐμαυτοῦ (G1683: emautou):

The Greek word ἐμαυτοῦ (emautou) is a reflexive pronoun used to indicate self-reference, often translated as “of myself” or “by myself.” It plays a crucial role in expressing personal involvement in actions or possession in the New Testament. Understanding this word provides deeper insight into the linguistic and cultural context of the New Testament, particularly in passages where individual agency and self-perception are emphasized.

Did You Know?

In Greek literature, the use of reflexive pronouns like ἐμαυτοῦ is a sophisticated linguistic tool that allows speakers and writers to emphasize personal agency or possession, a feature that is also reflected in the New Testament’s portrayal of personal responsibility and self-sacrifice. This word’s usage in ancient texts underscores the importance of self-reflection and individual action in both philosophical and theological contexts.