Brief Overview of αὑτοῦ (G848: heautou)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: heautou

Root Words: The Greek word αὑτοῦ (heautou) is a reflexive pronoun derived from the root αὐτός (autos), meaning “self.” It is used to denote that the subject is performing an action on or for itself.

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Primary Meanings:

• Himself/Herself/Itself: Used to indicate that the subject is both the performer and the receiver of the action.
• On One’s Own: Reflects an action directed back toward the subject itself.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes αὑτοῦ as a reflexive pronoun used to indicate that the subject of the verb is also its object. It is typically used to express that the action of the verb is being performed by and upon the same person or thing. It translates to “himself,” “herself,” or “itself” depending on the context.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines αὑτοῦ as a reflexive pronoun meaning “himself,” “herself,” or “itself.” It is used when the subject of the verb is also the recipient of the action. Thayer’s notes that it is often used in both personal and impersonal contexts to indicate self-directed actions.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary describes αὑτοῦ as a reflexive pronoun meaning “himself,” “herself,” or “itself.” It functions to show that the subject of the sentence is acting upon itself, reflecting back to the subject.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon explains that αὑτοῦ is used reflexively to denote that the subject of the verb is also its object. It translates as “himself,” “herself,” or “itself,” and is used in various contexts where the action returns to the subject.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines αὑτοῦ as “himself,” “herself,” or “itself,” the reflexive form of αὐτός (autos). It is used to indicate that the subject is performing an action on itself or for itself.

Bible Verses:

• Matthew 12:44 (KJV): “Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.”
• Here, αὑτοῦ reflects the action of the unclean spirit returning to itself, emphasizing the reflexive action.
• John 7:38 (KJV): “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
• αὑτοῦ in this verse indicates the self-directed action of the believer’s inner life being expressed outwardly.
• Galatians 6:4 (KJV): “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
• αὑτοῦ refers to the individual’s own actions and their effects on themselves.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In the Iliad and the Odyssey, reflexive pronouns similar to αὑτοῦ are used to indicate actions that characters perform on or for themselves.
• Aristotle: In works such as Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle uses reflexive pronouns to discuss actions that individuals perform for their own benefit or self-reflection.
• Plato: In dialogues like Phaedrus, Plato uses reflexive pronouns to discuss self-directed actions and introspection, reflecting the grammatical use of αὑτοῦ in philosophical discourse.

4. Summary:

αὑτοῦ (heautou) is a reflexive pronoun derived from αὐτός (autos) meaning “self.” It translates to “himself,” “herself,” or “itself” and is used to indicate that the subject of an action is also the recipient of that action. As described in BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ, αὑτοῦ denotes self-directed actions or reflexive relationships. Its use in Biblical and classical Greek texts highlights its role in expressing actions that return to the subject. Understanding αὑτοῦ provides insight into reflexive constructions and their applications in Greek grammar and literature.