Brief Overview of ἐμός (Strong’s G1699: emos)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for delving into the rich layers of meaning present in the New Testament. The word ἐμός (emos) is particularly significant as it is a possessive pronoun that emphasizes personal ownership or relation. This small yet powerful word helps convey the personal nature of many Biblical texts, where the speaker asserts something as belonging to themselves. In the context of ancient Greek culture and language, ἐμός also reflects the broader human experience of possession, identity, and personal connection.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐμός (emos) [e-MOS]
• Etymology: Derived from the root pronoun ἐγώ (egō), meaning “I” or “me,” with the possessive suffix -ός, which denotes ownership or relation.
• Part of Speech: Possessive pronoun (used as an adjective) that follows the first and second declension patterns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• My: The most direct translation, indicating something that belongs to the speaker.
• Mine: Often used in contexts where possession is emphasized, as in distinguishing what belongs to the speaker from what belongs to others.
• Belonging to me: In some contexts, it can also be used to indicate something associated with or related to the speaker.

Similar Words:

• ἡμέτερος (hēmeteros) [heh-ME-te-ros]: A possessive pronoun meaning “our” or “belonging to us,” indicating collective ownership.
• σός (sos) [sos]: A possessive pronoun meaning “your” (singular), used to denote something belonging to the person being spoken to.
• αὐτοῦ (autou) [ow-TOU]: A possessive pronoun meaning “his” or “its,” referring to possession by a third party.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐμός is a possessive pronoun that follows the patterns of the first and second declensions in Greek. It functions similarly to an adjective, agreeing with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case. This flexibility allows ἐμός to be used in a variety of grammatical structures, giving it a broad application in both Biblical and classical texts.
• Linguistic Features: The possessive nature of ἐμός emphasizes the personal connection or ownership of the speaker. It often conveys an intimate or emphatic tone, particularly in contexts where the speaker is asserting their rights or responsibilities.

Lexicon Insights

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BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon highlights ἐμός as a possessive pronoun often used to convey a strong sense of personal ownership or association. It is particularly noted in contexts where the speaker is emphasizing something that belongs uniquely to them.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon explains ἐμός as an important word in understanding expressions of possession in the New Testament. It is used frequently to express personal attachment or the belonging of something to the speaker, especially in contexts of familial or relational significance.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes that ἐμός is essential for conveying the nuances of possession and relationship in Greek. It is often used in contrast with other possessive pronouns to highlight the individuality or exclusivity of ownership.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon offers a broader perspective, showing how ἐμός was used in both everyday Greek and more formal literary contexts. It emphasizes the word’s role in indicating personal ownership or association.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies ἐμός as G1699, derived from ἐγώ, and highlights its role as a possessive pronoun in New Testament Greek. It appears frequently in contexts where personal possession is stressed, adding depth to the understanding of Biblical relationships.

Scripture References

• John 17:10 – “All mine (ἐμόν) are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.”
• Matthew 20:15 – “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me (ἐμόν)? Or do you begrudge my generosity?”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐμός (G1699: emos)

The Greek word ἐμός (emos) serves as a possessive pronoun meaning “my” or “mine,” and plays a crucial role in expressing personal ownership or relational connection in the New Testament. It emphasizes the intimate association between the speaker and what they possess, making it an important word for understanding the nuances of personal relationships in Biblical texts. The word’s usage in classical literature also highlights its broader significance in ancient Greek culture, where possession and identity were closely linked.

Did You Know?

The possessive pronoun ἐμός is often used in the New Testament to highlight the personal relationship between Jesus and His followers, as seen in John 17:10, where Jesus speaks of those given to Him by the Father as “mine” (ἐμόν). This emphasizes the deep connection and ownership implied in the use of ἐμός, reflecting a profound spiritual truth about belonging and identity in the Christian faith.