Brief Overview of σοῦ (Strong’s G4675: sou)

Strong’s G4675: A personal pronoun in the genitive case meaning “of you” or “your,” derived from σύ (you). Used extensively in the New Testament to express personal possession, relationship, and divine-human interaction. Its frequent usage in prayers and direct address highlights the intimate nature of biblical communication.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word σοῦ represents a fundamental element in biblical Greek, serving as the genitive form of the second person singular pronoun. Its usage extends beyond simple possession to convey deep personal relationship and connection. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in prayers, particularly in conversations with God, emphasizing the intimate nature of the believer’s relationship with the Father. The early church recognized its significance in expressing both reverence and closeness in addressing God. Today, this word continues to remind us of the personal nature of our relationship with God, highlighting both His sovereignty and His intimate involvement in our lives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σοῦ, sou, /su:/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soo” (like ‘soup’ without the ‘p’)
• Part of Speech: Personal Pronoun (Genitive Case)

Etymology:

• Root: σύ (su, “you”)
• Derived from Proto-Indo-European *tū́ (you)
• Genitive case form of the second person singular pronoun

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Of you, your
• Secondary meaning: From you
• Emphatic meaning: Belonging to you

Translation Options:

• Your – Most common translation in possessive contexts
• Of you – When emphasizing source or origin
• From you – When indicating derivation or source

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑμῶν (humōn) /hyˈmɔːn/ – Of you (plural) – See G5216
• ἐμοῦ (emou) /eˈmu:/ – Of me, my – See G1700
• αὐτοῦ (autou) /awˈtu:/ – Of him, his – See G846

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Genitive
• Number: Singular
• Person: Second
• Gender: Not applicable (pronouns maintain person rather than gender)

The genitive case indicates possession or source:

• Possessive use: “your book” (τὸ βιβλίον σοῦ)
• Source use: “from you” (ἀπὸ σοῦ)
• Partitive use: “of your disciples” (ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν σοῦ)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σοῦ’s extensive use in both possessive and ablative (source) contexts. Thayer’s notes its frequent appearance in prayer formulas. LSJ provides examples of its development through classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its importance in expressing personal relationship in spiritual contexts. Moulton and Milligan demonstrate its common usage in personal letters and legal documents of the period.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 1:20: “But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your [σοῦ] wife.'”

Additional References:
Matthew 6:10, Luke 1:35, John 17:1, Acts 2:27, Romans 2:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The pronoun σοῦ, though simple in form, carries profound theological significance in expressing our relationship with God. Its use in prayer, particularly in the Lord’s Prayer, demonstrates both intimacy and reverence. This word reminds us that the Gospel message is deeply personal – God is not distant but desires a close relationship with His people.

D – Did You Know?

• σοῦ appears over 1,000 times in the New Testament
• It is used extensively in the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing personal relationship with God
• The word maintains the same form in modern Greek, showing its enduring nature

Strong’s G4675: A second person singular personal pronoun in the genitive case, expressing possession or source. Its frequent use in prayer and direct address to God demonstrates the personal nature of divine-human relationship in biblical texts while maintaining appropriate reverence.

Part of speech: Personal Pronoun (Genitive Case)

Tags: pronoun, possession, relationship, prayer, personal, grammar, Greek, Matthew, Lord’s Prayer, divine-human relationship, intimacy, worship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​