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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding even the smallest Greek words can shed light on the nuances of the text. The Greek word μοι (moi), which is a form of the word “me” or “to me,” is a dative pronoun that appears frequently in the New Testament. Though μοι seems simple, it plays a crucial role in understanding the relationship between characters, actions, and speech in Biblical passages. It occurs in important moments, such as in Matthew 2:8, where King Herod uses it in his request to the Magi. By grasping this word’s meaning and function, we can better interpret the subtleties of New Testament narratives and dialogues.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μοι (moi)

Transliteration: moi

Pronunciation: /moy/

Etymology:

The word μοι is a dative singular form of the Greek personal pronoun ἐγώ (ego), which means “I” or “me.” The root ἐγώ is where English derives the word “ego,” indicating the self. In Greek, μοι specifically indicates the dative case, used for indirect objects—commonly translated as “to me” or “for me.” This makes μοι an essential word for showing the recipient of an action or a statement.

Part of Speech:

μοι is a dative pronoun, specifically a first-person singular pronoun in the dative case. In this form, it functions as the recipient of an action or the one for whom something is done. It does not decline further because it is already a case-specific form.

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Defining Meanings

1. “To Me”:

In most cases, μοι is translated as “to me,” indicating the person to whom an action or statement is directed. For example, in Matthew 2:8, Herod tells the Magi to report back to him: “When you have found him, bring me word.” Here, μοι reflects the personal pronoun “to me,” indicating Herod’s desire for the information.

2. “For Me”:

In some instances, μοι can also take on the meaning of “for me,” depending on the context of the sentence. This usage is less frequent but still significant, as it shows possession or benefit, as in “give it to me for my sake.”

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἐμέ (eme) [eh-MEH]: This is another form of the pronoun “me” but is accusative rather than dative. It is used when the action is directly affecting the person rather than being directed toward them.

2. ἐμοῦ (emou) [eh-MOO]: This is the genitive form of the same pronoun, used to show possession (e.g., “of me” or “my”).

3. ἐμοί (emoi) [eh-MOY]: This is a more formal version of μοι, also in the dative case. It often appears in more formal or emphatic contexts.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Since μοι is a pronoun, it doesn’t follow traditional noun or verb declension tables, but it is part of the Greek personal pronoun system. The following is an example of how ἐγώ, the root word, declines across different cases:

Case Singular

Nominative ἐγώ

Genitive ἐμοῦ

Dative μοι

Accusative ἐμέ

For a more detailed explanation of Greek pronouns and their uses, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

According to Greek lexicons, μοι is universally understood as a dative pronoun with simple yet essential functions in the Greek language. Thayer’s and BDAG both highlight that μοι occurs frequently in direct speech, often marking the recipient of speech or action. In terms of theological importance, μοι is less about its standalone meaning and more about how it connects characters in the text, especially when receiving commands, information, or promises. Lexicons emphasize the practical importance of this word in connecting subjects and actions.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 2:8 – “And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me [μοι] word, that I too may come and worship him.’”

2. Luke 15:12 – “And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me [μοι] the share of property that is coming to me.’”

3. Mark 9:22 – “And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us [μοι].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Here are some examples of μοι from classical Greek literature and the Septuagint:

Author Name of Work Example Text

Homer Iliad “Give me [μοι] your word as a promise.”

Plato Republic “And tell me [μοι] what is the true meaning of justice.”

Septuagint Genesis 27:19 “Sit up and eat of my game, that you may bless me [μοι].”

Noteworthy Summary

The word μοι, though small and seemingly insignificant, is a vital component of Biblical Greek, acting as the dative pronoun “to me” or “for me.” It occurs in dialogue and narrative, particularly in cases where information, commands, or promises are directed at a person. In Matthew 2:8, μοι is used by Herod when asking the Magi to report back to him about the newborn king. By studying μοι, we gain insight into how individuals communicate and interact in the New Testament, emphasizing the significance of relationships and actions.

Did You Know?

1. The word μοι appears over 260 times in the New Testament, making it a frequent and essential word in Biblical Greek.

2. While μοι is dative, other forms like ἐμέ and ἐμοί serve in different grammatical cases, showing the flexibility of Greek pronouns.

3. The dative case, in which μοι is found, is often used to indicate the indirect object, crucial for understanding the flow of action in Greek sentences.