Brief Overview of σός (Strong’s G4674: sos)

Strong’s G4674: A possessive adjective meaning “your” or “yours,” expressing personal possession or relationship. Derived from the second person personal pronoun, it emphasizes personal ownership and relationship in New Testament usage, particularly in contexts of spiritual instruction and divine-human relationships.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word σός (sos) serves as a possessive adjective that carries deep significance in expressing personal ownership and relationship. In New Testament usage, it goes beyond mere possession to convey intimate connection and responsibility. Its theological significance is particularly evident in passages addressing discipleship and personal accountability before God. The early church recognized its power in emphasizing the personal nature of one’s relationship with the Messiah and their responsibilities as His followers. Today, this word continues to remind believers of the personal nature of their faith journey and their direct accountability to God.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σός, sos, /sɔs/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sauce” (with a slightly elongated ‘o’ sound)
• Part of Speech: Possessive Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: σ- (s-) from σύ (su, “you”)
• Suffix: -ος (-os) adjectival ending
• Related to second person singular pronoun σύ (su)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Your, yours (singular)
• Secondary meaning: Belonging to you
• Emphatic meaning: Your own

Translation Options:

• Your – Most common and direct translation
• Your own – When emphasis on personal possession is needed
• Belonging to you – When clarifying ownership is necessary

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑμέτερος (humeteros) /hyˈme.te.ros/ – Your (plural) – See G5212
• ἐμός (emos) /e.ˈmos/ – My, mine – See G1699
• ἴδιος (idios) /ˈi.di.os/ – One’s own – See G2398

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: First/Second declension

The word changes form to agree with the noun it modifies:

• Masculine: σός (sos)
• Feminine: σή (sē)
• Neuter: σόν (son)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the personal possession aspect of σός, while Thayer’s notes its emphatic usage in contrast to other possessive constructions. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples showing its development. Vine’s highlights its significance in expressing personal relationship, particularly in spiritual contexts. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in personal letters and legal documents of the period.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 7:3: “And why do you look at the speck in your [σός] brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”

Additional References:
Matthew 13:27, John 17:6, John 17:9, John 17:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word σός powerfully conveys personal ownership and responsibility in the New Testament. Its use in the Messiah’s teachings emphasizes the personal nature of discipleship and accountability before God. This word reminds us that our relationship with God is deeply personal, and our response to His grace must be equally personal and transformative.

D – Did You Know?

• In ancient Greek legal documents, σός was used to establish clear ownership rights
• The word appears frequently in early Christian prayers and personal letters
• Its usage in John 17 emphasizes the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son

Strong’s G4674: A possessive adjective expressing personal ownership and relationship, particularly significant in New Testament teachings about personal responsibility and relationship with God. Its usage emphasizes the intimate and personal nature of faith and discipleship in early Christian communities.

Part of speech: Possessive Adjective

Tags: possession, ownership, relationship, personal, responsibility, discipleship, grammar, pronouns, Greek, adjectives, Matthew, John​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​