Divine Fulfillment: τοῦτο (Strong’s G5124: touto) Points to God’s Promises

Strong’s G5124: A demonstrative pronoun meaning “this” or “these things.” In biblical usage, it often points to significant divine actions, prophecy fulfillments, and spiritual truths. Its first appearance in Matthew connects prophecy to its fulfillment in the Messiah’s birth.

U – Unveiling the Word

τοῦτο serves as a crucial pointer in biblical narrative, often drawing attention to God’s active work in fulfilling His promises. First appearing in Matthew 1:22, it connects prophetic promise with divine fulfillment in the Messiah’s birth. The early church recognized its significance in marking pivotal moments of revelation and realization. In theological discourse, it often introduces important doctrinal statements or conclusions. Today, it continues to help believers identify God’s faithful actions and understand the connection between promise and fulfillment in Scripture.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τοῦτο, touto, /ˈtu.to/
• Detailed Pronunciation: TOO-toh (where ‘oo’ is like in “too”)
• Part of Speech: Demonstrative Pronoun

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *tod (that)
• Root: το- (to-) demonstrative element
• Suffix: -το (-to) forming neuter demonstratives

D – Defining Meanings

• This
• This thing
• These things

For compound words: Not applicable as τοῦτο is a simple demonstrative

Translation Options:

• “this” – pointing to specific items/events
• “this thing” – emphasizing singular focus
• “these things” – encompassing multiple referents

E – Exploring Similar Words

• αὐτό (auto) /au.ˈto/ – it, the same See G846
• ἐκεῖνο (ekeino) /e.ˈkei.no/ – that, that one See G1565
• ταῦτα (tauta) /ˈtau.ta/ – these things See G5023

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Neuter
• Type: Demonstrative

Demonstrative forms:

• Masculine: οὗτος
• Feminine: αὕτη
• Neuter: τοῦτο

Cross-references: Used with various cases to indicate different relationships

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons provide rich insights into τοῦτο’s usage. BDAG emphasizes its role in marking significant statements or events. Thayer’s notes its function in both anaphoric and cataphoric references. LSJ documents extensive classical usage patterns. Vine’s highlights its importance in theological discourse. Strong’s connects it to definitive statements of truth. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in everyday Greek. LEH notes its frequent appearance in Septuagint prophecy texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet.” Matthew 1:22

Additional References:
Matthew 3:15
John 2:11
Romans 6:6
1 Corinthians 11:24
Philippians 1:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τοῦτο powerfully connects divine promises with their fulfillment in the Messiah. Its use in Matthew’s Gospel particularly highlights how God’s prophecies find their completion in Jesus. The good news of King Jesus is built on these connections between promise and fulfillment, showing God’s faithfulness across salvation history. This word helps us recognize God’s active work in fulfilling His promises and encourages us to trust His ongoing faithfulness.

D – Did You Know?

• τοῦτο appears over 300 times in the New Testament
• Early Christian creeds often began with this word
• The word plays a key role in eucharistic formulas

Strong’s G5124: A demonstrative pronoun meaning “this” or “these things.” In biblical usage, it often points to significant divine actions, prophecy fulfillments, and spiritual truths. Its first appearance in Matthew connects prophecy to its fulfillment in the Messiah’s birth.

Part of speech: Demonstrative Pronoun

Tags: demonstrative, prophecy, fulfillment, reference, matthew, promise, completion, pointing, identification, truth, revelation, connection​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​