Brief Overview of σεαυτοῦ (Strong’s G4572: seautou)

Strong’s G4572: A reflexive pronoun meaning “of yourself,” “to yourself,” or “yourself,” depending on its case. Used when the action refers back to the subject, particularly in commands and spiritual teachings. Significant in contexts of self-examination, moral responsibility, and personal spiritual development.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σεαυτοῦ (in all its forms) represents self-reference in New Testament Greek, first appearing in Matthew 4:6 during Satan’s temptation of Jesus. Its usage spans crucial spiritual contexts, from self-examination (1 Timothy 4:16) to moral responsibility (Galatians 6:1). The early church emphasized its importance in understanding personal accountability before God. Today, it continues to highlight the individual’s responsibility in spiritual growth and moral conduct.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σεαυτοῦ, seautou, /seh-ow-too’/
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘seh’ as in ‘set’, ‘ow’ as in ‘own’, ‘too’ as in ‘tool’
• Part of Speech: Reflexive Pronoun

Etymology:

• Compound of:
• σέ (se) – “you” (accusative)
• αὐτός (autos) – “self”
• Combined to form “yourself” in various cases

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Yourself (in various cases)
• Emphatic meaning: Your own self
• Intensive meaning: You yourself specifically

Translation Options:

• Yourself – Standard reflexive translation
• Your own self – Emphatic translation
• Thyself – Archaic formal translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἑαυτοῦ (heautou) /heh-ow-too’/ – Third person reflexive. See G1438
• ἐμαυτοῦ (emautou) /em-ow-too’/ – First person reflexive. See G1683

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a reflexive pronoun:

• Cases: Genitive (σεαυτοῦ), Dative (σεαυτῷ), Accusative (σεαυτόν)
• Number: Singular
• Person: Second
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine

Examples show its use as direct object, indirect object, and possessive forms in various contexts.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its reflexive function in ethical contexts. Thayer’s notes its various case usages. LSJ traces its development in Greek literature. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Strong’s connects it to personal responsibility. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage patterns.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 4:6: “And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself [σεαυτόν] down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee.”

Additional References:
John 7:4, Romans 2:19, Galatians 6:1, 1 Timothy 4:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σεαυτοῦ powerfully emphasizes personal responsibility in spiritual life. It reminds us that while salvation is God’s work, we are called to actively engage in our spiritual development. The good news includes both God’s enabling grace and our responsible participation in growth and service.

D – Did You Know?

1. Used extensively in wisdom literature and moral teachings
2. Often appears in contexts of self-examination and spiritual growth
3. Forms part of the famous Greek maxim “Know thyself”

Strong’s G4572: Second person reflexive pronoun used in various cases to express self-reference. Particularly significant in New Testament teachings about personal responsibility, self-examination, and spiritual development within the context of divine grace.

Part of speech: Reflexive Pronoun

Tags: self-examination, personal-responsibility, spiritual-growth, moral-conduct, self-reference, biblical-greek, personal-development, spiritual-discipline, self-awareness, discipleship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​