Introduction
The Greek word ἐμοῦ (emou) is a crucial possessive pronoun in New Testament Greek, representing the genitive case of the first-person pronoun “I” or “me.” Understanding this word is essential for anyone studying the New Testament, as it frequently appears in contexts emphasizing personal ownership, relation, or association. This word is not just significant in theological contexts but also offers insights into how ancient Greek culture understood concepts of possession and identity. The correct interpretation of ἐμοῦ can illuminate the deeper meanings behind many Biblical passages, particularly those that express relationships between individuals and God, or between people themselves.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἐμοῦ (emou) [e-MOO]
- Etymology: Derived from the first-person pronoun ἐγώ (egō), meaning “I” or “me,” with the genitive case ending -οῦ, which indicates possession or association.
- Part of Speech: Possessive pronoun (genitive case of the first-person singular pronoun).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- Of me: The most direct translation, indicating possession, relationship, or origin, often used to express something that belongs to or is associated with the speaker.
- Mine: Used in contexts where the emphasis is on ownership, particularly in distinguishing what belongs to the speaker as opposed to someone else.
Similar Words:
- μου (mou) [moo]: Another form of the genitive possessive pronoun, often used in less formal contexts or in poetry, where the shorter form is preferred.
- ἐμός (emos) [e-MOS]: A possessive pronoun that can mean “my” or “mine” in the nominative case, used to express ownership or association but in a different case.
- σός (sos) [sos]: A possessive pronoun meaning “your” (singular), used to indicate something that belongs to the person being addressed.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: ἐμοῦ is the genitive singular form of the first-person possessive pronoun. It follows the standard pattern for genitive endings in Greek, with the -οῦ suffix indicating possession or relationship. This form is crucial in many syntactical structures in Greek, particularly in genitive constructions where it expresses ownership, origin, or a source of action.
- Linguistic Features: The usage of ἐμοῦ often adds emphasis or specificity to a statement, particularly in New Testament texts. It is used to clarify the personal involvement or possession of the speaker, making it a key word for understanding the relational dynamics in many Biblical passages.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
BDAG identifies ἐμοῦ as a possessive pronoun used in genitive constructions to express ownership, origin, or association. The lexicon notes its frequent appearance in the New Testament, particularly in contexts where Jesus or the apostles are asserting their personal connection to something or someone.
Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the role of ἐμοῦ in conveying personal possession or intimate association. It is often found in verses where the speaker wishes to highlight their personal stake or connection in a situation, making it a word rich with relational significance.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary points out that ἐμοῦ is used primarily in the New Testament to denote something that belongs to the speaker. It frequently appears in teachings or prayers where Jesus emphasizes His relationship with the Father or His followers.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon discusses the broader use of ἐμοῦ in classical Greek literature, noting its role in expressing possession, origin, or association in various contexts, from everyday speech to formal or poetic language.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s identifies ἐμοῦ as G1700 and highlights its usage as a possessive pronoun indicating ownership or relationship. The concordance notes its importance in understanding the dynamics of personal relationships in the New Testament, especially in passages where the speaker’s relationship with God or others is emphasized.
Scripture References
- John 10:27-28 – “My sheep hear my (ἐμοῦ) voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
- Matthew 26:23 – “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me (ἐμοῦ).”
- Mark 8:35 – “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my (ἐμοῦ) sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Odyssey | “He spoke of the journey that awaited me (ἐμοῦ).” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “These lands were once mine (ἐμοῦ), but now belong to another.” |
| Sophocles | Antigone | “The fate of the city rests with me (ἐμοῦ) and my decision.” |
Summary of ἐμοῦ (G1700: emou)
The Greek word ἐμοῦ (emou) serves as a possessive pronoun in the genitive case, emphasizing personal ownership, relationship, or association. This word is significant in the New Testament for its ability to convey deep personal connections, whether in relation to God, others, or oneself. The word’s frequent use in both Biblical and classical texts underscores its importance in understanding the nuances of possession and identity in ancient Greek culture. By examining ἐμοῦ, one gains insight into the relational dynamics that are central to many Biblical teachings.
Did You Know?
In the New Testament, ἐμοῦ is often used by Jesus to emphasize His unique relationship with His followers. For example, in John 10:27-28, when Jesus says, “My sheep hear my (ἐμοῦ) voice,” the use of ἐμοῦ underscores the personal bond between the Good Shepherd and His sheep, highlighting the intimate connection that believers share with Christ.
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