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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for gaining a deeper insight into the original meanings and nuances of the New Testament text. The word ἐμοί (emoi), which is the dative singular form of the first-person pronoun, plays a significant role in the Greek language, especially in its use within the New Testament. This word, though small, carries weight in how personal relationships, divine interactions, and human expressions are conveyed in scripture. By studying ἐμοί, we can appreciate the richness of the Greek language and how it conveys nuances of possession, personal involvement, and relational dynamics that are sometimes lost in translation.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐμοί (emoi) [e-MOI]
- Etymology: Derived from the root pronoun ἐγώ (egō), meaning “I” or “me,” which is the nominative singular form.
- Part of Speech: Pronoun (dative singular of the first-person singular pronoun). It follows the third declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- To me: The dative case in Greek often expresses the indirect object of a verb. In the case of ἐμοί, it is commonly translated as “to me” or “for me,” indicating the person who is indirectly affected by the action of the verb.
- For me: In some contexts, it can also imply something done on behalf of or concerning the speaker.
Similar Words:
- ἐγώ (egō) [e-GO]: The nominative singular form, used when the speaker is the subject of the sentence.
- με (me) [ME]: The accusative singular form, used when the speaker is the direct object of the sentence.
- ἐμέ (eme) [e-ME]: An alternate form of the accusative, also translated as “me,” but sometimes used for emphasis.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: ἐμοί is a dative singular pronoun, which means it is used to indicate the indirect object of a sentence or to express possession. It belongs to the first-person pronoun system and follows the third declension in Greek, although as a pronoun, its forms are irregular compared to typical nouns or adjectives.
- Linguistic Features: The use of ἐμοί emphasizes the relationship between the subject and the speaker. The dative case in Greek is multifaceted, covering a range of meanings from the indirect object to expressions of possession and advantage.
| Greek Pronoun | Case | Function |
|---|---|---|
| ἐγώ (egō) | Nominative | Subject |
| με (me) | Accusative | Direct object |
| ἐμοί (emoi) | Dative | Indirect object, possession |
Lexicon Insights
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BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon highlights ἐμοί as the dative form of ἐγώ, primarily translated as “to me” or “for me.” It is noted for its frequent appearance in dialogues and personal expressions, where the speaker emphasizes their relationship with the action or statement.
Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon explains ἐμοί as an essential component in understanding personal pronouns in Greek. It outlines its usage in various syntactical structures and highlights the significance of its dative form in expressing personal involvement or interest.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes the importance of ἐμοί in conveying relational dynamics, particularly in prayers, commands, and personal reflections found in the New Testament.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides an overview of ἐμοί, focusing on its grammatical role within sentences and its flexibility in conveying different nuances depending on context.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies ἐμοί as G1698, derived from ἐγώ. It is used to denote the dative case in personal pronouns, appearing frequently in the New Testament to express possession, relation, and indirect action towards the speaker.
Scripture References
- Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me (ἐμοί), all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
- John 17:21 – “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me (ἐμοί), and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans. To me (ἐμοί), O Muse, recount these things.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “It was reported to me (ἐμοί) by the Egyptians that their first king was Menes.” |
| Sophocles | Antigone | “You have touched a nerve of grief in me (ἐμοί), and I must respond.” |
Summary of ἐμοί (G1698: emoi)
The Greek word ἐμοί, a dative singular pronoun meaning “to me” or “for me,” is central in expressing personal involvement and relational dynamics in the New Testament. It emphasizes the indirect object in sentences, highlighting the connection between the subject and the speaker. Understanding ἐμοί within its grammatical and contextual framework offers deeper insights into the nuances of Biblical Greek and the personal nature of many New Testament passages.
Did You Know?
The use of ἐμοί in Greek literature, including the New Testament, often carries an emotional or emphatic tone, especially in personal prayers, supplications, or commands. Its flexibility in meaning allows it to convey a range of nuances from simple possession to deep relational ties.
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