Divine Reference: ταύταις (Strong’s G5025: tautais) Points to Present Truth
Strong’s G5025: A feminine dative plural demonstrative pronoun meaning “to these” or “in these,” used to reference specific present or immediate matters. In biblical usage, it often connects practical instructions with spiritual principles, emphasizing direct application.
U- Unveiling the Word
Ταύταις serves an important grammatical function in New Testament discourse as it points to specific feminine plural nouns with emphasis and immediacy. This dative form adds special significance by indicating the means, location, or temporal context of actions or teachings. In biblical usage, it often appears when authors connect spiritual principles to practical applications or when emphasizing the immediacy of divine instructions. Early church writers utilized this form to emphasize the direct applicability of scriptural teachings to present circumstances. Today, it reminds us that biblical truth is not abstract but directly applicable to our current situations.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: ταύταις, tautais, /TAU-tais/
- Detailed Pronunciation: TAU (as in “tower”) – tais (rhymes with “nice”)
- Part of Speech: Demonstrative Pronoun
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Etymology:
- Feminine dative plural form of οὗτος (houtos)
- Related to Proto-Indo-European *so-, *to- (demonstrative stem)
- Dative ending -αις indicating “to” or “for” these things
D – Defining Meanings
- To these (feminine plural)
- In these things
- By these means
- During these (times)
For compound words: Not applicable as this is an inflected pronoun form
Translation Options:
- In these – Emphasizes location or circumstance
- By these – Highlights instrumental use
- To these – Captures indirect object function
E – Exploring Similar Words
- τούτοις (toutois) /TOO-tois/ – Masculine/neuter dative plural form
See G5125 - ταῖς (tais) /tais/ – The feminine plural article
See G3588 - αὐταῖς (autais) /ow-TAIS/ – To them (feminine)
See G846
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a demonstrative pronoun, ταύταις shows:
- Case: Dative
- Number: Plural
- Gender: Feminine
- Declension: Demonstrative
The dative case indicates the word functions as indirect object or shows location/means. Its feminine plural form requires agreement with feminine plural nouns it references.
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
Lexical sources provide detailed analysis of ταύταις’s usage patterns. BDAG emphasizes its role in pointing to immediate or present circumstances. Thayer’s notes its specific reference to feminine plural nouns in dative constructions. LSJ documents its classical usage in indicating means or circumstances. Vine’s highlights its function in connecting abstract principles with concrete applications. Strong’s emphasizes its demonstrative force in immediate contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in Koine Greek for specific reference. LEH discusses its frequent appearance in the Septuagint for emphasizing immediate application of divine principles.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Acts 1:15: “In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)”
Additional References:
Acts 11:27, Acts 21:15, Revelation 9:20
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
Author: Work | Text |
---|---|
Plato: Laws | “In these circumstances we must consider” |
Demosthenes: Orations | “By these means they achieved victory” |
Lysias: Speeches | “During these days the assembly met” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Ταύταις highlights the immediate and practical nature of divine truth in Scripture. Its specific pointing to present circumstances reminds us that God’s Word is not distant or theoretical but directly applicable to our lives. This grammatical tool proclaims the good news of King Jesus by showing how divine truth intersects with our daily experiences, emphasizing that His kingdom principles are meant for present application and transformation.
D – Did You Know?
- It’s one of several demonstrative forms that help create precise references in biblical Greek
- Often used in Acts to mark specific time periods in early church history
- Appears frequently in passages connecting doctrine with practice
Strong’s G5025: A feminine dative plural demonstrative pronoun meaning “to these” or “in these,” used to reference specific present or immediate matters. In biblical usage, it often connects practical instructions with spiritual principles, emphasizing direct application.
Part of speech: Demonstrative Pronoun
Tags: grammar, reference, application, context, feminine-words, dative-case, immediate-reference, demonstrative-pronouns, practical-application, biblical-greek
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