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Unveiling the Word

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding how demonstrative pronouns function is key to grasping the nuances of the text. The Greek word ὅδε (hode), a demonstrative pronoun, plays a significant role in bringing emphasis to a specific person or thing in a given context. It can be translated as “this” or “this one,” often pointing to something or someone very close or immediately present. In Luke 10:39, where Martha’s sister Mary is described as sitting at the feet of Jesus, the use of ὅδε brings focus to her particular action and position, emphasizing her proximity to the Lord. This simple yet powerful word sheds light on how Greek speakers and writers used demonstrative pronouns to direct attention, clarify, and give immediacy to the subject at hand.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὅδε (hode), pronounced ho-deh.

Etymology: ὅδε is a combination of the relative pronoun ὅς (hos), meaning “who” or “which,” and the enclitic particle δε (de), meaning “but” or “and,” often used to emphasize something. Together, they form a demonstrative pronoun that highlights something close or immediate.

Part of Speech: Demonstrative pronoun. Demonstrative pronouns are used to point to specific things or persons, and ὅδε refers to something close to the speaker or writer. It can function in various cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) depending on its grammatical use in the sentence.

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Defining Meanings

1. This One (Proximity): The most straightforward translation of ὅδε is “this one,” often indicating something or someone near the speaker. This could refer to a person standing nearby or an object that is close at hand.

2. Emphasized Subject: It is used to bring special attention to the subject of the sentence. In Luke 10:39, for instance, it emphasizes Mary’s action of sitting and listening to Jesus, giving her behavior a highlighted importance in the narrative.

3. Immediate Reference: ὅδε can also serve to point to something previously mentioned or something just about to be discussed. It strengthens the focus on the immediate topic of conversation or narrative.

Exploring Similar Words

1. οὗτος (houtos) [pronunciation: hoo-tos]: This word also means “this” or “this one,” but it does not carry the same sense of immediacy that ὅδε does. It is more general and can refer to something a bit more distanced from the speaker.

2. ἐκεῖνος (ekeinos) [pronunciation: eh-kay-nos]: This word is often translated as “that one” and refers to something farther away from the speaker. It contrasts with ὅδε, which refers to something nearby.

3. τοῦτο (touto) [pronunciation: too-toh]: Another demonstrative pronoun meaning “this,” but it is more commonly used in neuter form to refer to abstract concepts or inanimate objects, as opposed to persons.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

ὅδε, as a demonstrative pronoun, changes according to case, gender, and number, just like nouns and adjectives in Greek. Here’s a basic breakdown:

• Nominative Singular: ὅδε (masculine), ἥδε (feminine), τόδε (neuter)

• Genitive Singular: τοῦδε (masculine/neuter), τῆσδε (feminine)

• Dative Singular: τῷδε (masculine/neuter), τῇδε (feminine)

• Accusative Singular: τόνδε (masculine), τήνδε (feminine), τόδε (neuter)

The form changes depending on whether it is referring to a person, object, or concept, and also based on the gender and number of the subject it points to.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

ὅδε is found frequently in classical Greek literature and functions primarily as a demonstrative pronoun used to point out something close or present. In New Testament usage, it is less frequent than οὗτος (houtos) but is employed to bring particular attention to the subject at hand. It carries a sense of emphasis or immediacy, giving the sentence a pointed focus. Lexical sources like BDAG and LSJ highlight its nuanced use in contexts where proximity and immediacy are key, whether in a physical or narrative sense. In Luke 10:39, for instance, it serves to underline Mary’s close connection to Jesus by describing her position at His feet.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 10:39: “And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at [Jesus’] feet, and heard his word.” (ὅδε referring to Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet.)

2. Luke 10:42: “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (ὅδε underscores the significance of Mary’s choice.)

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Plato Republic “This [ὅδε] is the man who will lead us to justice.”

Homer Iliad “Here [ὅδε] is the sword that slays the enemy.”

Septuagint Genesis “This [ὅδε] is the covenant I make with you.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word ὅδε (hode) is a demonstrative pronoun emphasizing something or someone close in proximity or narrative significance. Its usage in Luke 10:39 draws attention to Mary’s specific action and position at Jesus’ feet, highlighting her importance in the story. By understanding ὅδε, readers can better grasp the subtle shifts in emphasis that Greek speakers and writers used to shape meaning and focus within their texts.

Did You Know?

1. ὅδε was commonly used in Greek oratory to draw attention to a particular argument or point, giving it extra rhetorical weight.

2. The form ὅδε can appear in poetry and prose with slight variations in order to fit the meter of the line.

3. In the Septuagint, ὅδε is often used to emphasize God’s covenant or specific promises made to His people.