Strong’s G5120: The genitive singular masculine/neuter form of the definite article (ὁ/ἡ/τό, G3588). In biblical Greek, it indicates possession, relationship, or source, and plays a crucial role in theological expressions about God’s nature and relationships.

U – Unveiling the Word

τοῦ holds profound theological significance as the genitive form of the definite article. Beyond its basic grammatical function, it appears in crucial constructions that express divine relationships and spiritual truths. In Matthew 1:1, it begins establishing Jesus’ identity as “Son of David.” The early church recognized its importance in articulating theological concepts, particularly in expressing relationships within the Godhead and believers’ relationship with God. Today, understanding τοῦ helps us grasp the deep interconnections in biblical theology and the intimate relationships God establishes with His people.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τοῦ, tou, /tu:/
• Detailed Pronunciation: too (like “too” in English)
• Part of Speech: Definite Article (Genitive Case)

Etymology:

• Derived from Proto-Indo-European demonstrative *so/to
• Inflected form of ὁ/ἡ/τό (G3588)
• Genitive case ending -ου

D – Defining Meanings

• Of the
• From the
• Belonging to the

For compound words: Not applicable as τοῦ is an inflected form

Translation Options:

• “of the” – indicating possession
• “from the” – indicating source
• “belonging to the” – emphasizing relationship

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὁ (ho) /ho/ – the (nominative masculine) See G3588
• τῆς (tēs) /tēs/ – the (genitive feminine) See G3588
• τῷ (tō) /tō/ – the (dative masculine/neuter) See G3588

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Genitive
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine/Neuter
• Article Type: Definite

Used in key constructions:

• Genitive absolute
• Articular infinitive
• Attributive position
• Substantive use

Cross-references: Part of the complete article system ὁ/ἡ/τό

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons emphasize τοῦ’s crucial role in Greek grammar and theology. BDAG details its various functions in genitive constructions. Thayer’s explains its use in theological formulations. LSJ documents its development in classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its significance in expressing divine relationships. Strong’s notes its connection to the main article system. Moulton and Milligan show its prevalence in everyday Greek usage. LEH demonstrates its importance in Septuagint translations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“The book of the genealogy of the Jesus Christ, of the son of David, of the son of Abraham.” Matthew 1:1

Additional References:
As a fundamental grammatical element, τοῦ appears throughout the New Testament. Key theological uses include:
John 1:1
Romans 8:14
Hebrews 1:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τοῦ’s role in expressing relationships proves crucial for understanding biblical theology. It helps articulate the relationship between Father and Son, believers and God, and various aspects of salvation history. The good news of King Jesus is often expressed through genitive constructions that show His divine origin, purpose, and relationship with believers. This grammatical form helps us grasp the deep connections within God’s redemptive plan.

D – Did You Know?

• τοῦ is essential in forming the articular infinitive, a distinctive Greek construction
• It appears in many titles of Jesus expressing His divine relationships
• The frequency of τοῦ in John’s Gospel helps establish its theological depth

Strong’s G5120: The genitive singular masculine/neuter form of the definite article (ὁ/ἡ/τό, G3588). In biblical Greek, it indicates possession, relationship, or source, and plays a crucial role in theological expressions about God’s nature and relationships.

Part of speech: Definite Article (Genitive Case)

Tags: grammar, genitive, relationship, possession, source, article, definite-article, theology, construction, syntax, divine-relationships, biblical-greek​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​