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Unveiling the Word

In the study of biblical Greek, the word μού (mou) holds particular significance due to its frequent use and foundational role in understanding the personal relationships between individuals and God throughout the New Testament. As a possessive pronoun, mou directly translates to “my” or “mine,” showing possession or association with the subject it refers to. This word’s importance lies in its ability to demonstrate a personal connection between people, objects, and God, and it appears frequently in the context of divine promises and human expressions of belonging or faith.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μού (mou), pronounced moo.

Etymology: The root of mou comes from the Greek possessive pronoun system, which is connected to the first-person singular personal pronoun ἐγώ (egō, meaning “I”).

Part of Speech: Pronoun, specifically a possessive pronoun. It is used to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with the speaker or subject.

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Defining Meanings

1. My, Mine: The primary meaning of mou is “my” or “mine,” denoting possession or a relationship between the subject and the object. This can be seen in contexts such as “my God” or “my kingdom,” where the speaker asserts personal connection or authority over something.

2. Personal Belonging or Ownership: In its use, mou indicates ownership or belonging, whether it refers to physical objects, spiritual matters, or relational aspects.

3. Expression of Intimacy: Mou can also convey a sense of intimacy or personal closeness, particularly in contexts where individuals are expressing their relationship with God or with other people.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἐμός (emos) [pronunciation: eh-MOS]: Another possessive pronoun meaning “mine,” but often used more emphatically. It is more formal than mou and can be used to stress personal ownership.

2. σός (sos) [pronunciation: SOS]: A possessive pronoun meaning “yours” or “your,” referring to the second person singular and indicating possession by the person being spoken to.

3. ἡμέτερος (hēmeteros) [pronunciation: hay-MEH-teh-ros]: This word is a possessive pronoun meaning “ours,” used to describe something shared by a group, contrasting with mou’s singular usage.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a possessive pronoun, μού does not decline like a noun but changes form depending on the case and function in a sentence. It generally appears in the genitive case, which indicates possession. For example:

• Nominative: N/A (not used in nominative form)

• Genitive: μού (mou) – “of me” or “my”

• Accusative/Dative: μου (mou)

This form remains relatively constant across singular and plural uses, as it reflects a relationship to the subject rather than undergoing significant changes in gender, number, or declension.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word mou is integral to expressing personal and divine relationships throughout the New Testament. Lexicon studies show that this word is often used in religious contexts to describe the relationship between individuals and God, or between people and Jesus. For instance, it can be seen in phrases such as “my God” or “my people,” emphasizing possession, authority, and personal connection. Lexical research into classical Greek texts also indicates that mou was used to express similar ideas of possession or association in everyday life and literature, though its theological implications are most profound in the New Testament.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 2:6 – “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my [μού] people Israel.”

2. Matthew 26:28 – “For this is my [μού] blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

3. John 10:27 – “My [μού] sheep hear my [μού] voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Homer Iliad “My [μού] heart is burdened by this war.”

Plato Republic “The philosopher must seek my [μού] truth.”

Sophocles Antigone “This law is mine [μού] and must be obeyed.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μού (mou) is a possessive pronoun meaning “my” or “mine,” appearing frequently throughout the New Testament in contexts of personal, divine, and relational ownership. Its usage highlights intimacy, authority, and relationship, especially between God and His people or Jesus and His followers. Understanding mou deepens one’s comprehension of the personal connections emphasized in scripture, reinforcing the idea of belonging and divine ownership. In classical literature, mou maintained similar meanings, reflecting personal and social relationships, but its theological depth is uniquely emphasized in biblical contexts.

Did You Know?

1. Mou appears over 400 times in the New Testament, underscoring its fundamental role in expressing personal and divine relationships.

2. In some classical Greek texts, mou was used in legal documents to assert ownership or rights over property or land.

3. The use of mou in scripture often reflects covenantal relationships, particularly between God and His people.