Spiritual Reception: τοῦτον (Strong’s G5126: touton) Marks Divine Teaching
Strong’s G5126: The accusative singular masculine form of the demonstrative pronoun οὗτος/τοῦτο. In biblical context, particularly in Jesus’ teachings, it often marks specific spiritual truths or divine words that must be received and understood.
U – Unveiling the Word
τοῦτον serves a crucial role in identifying specific teachings or concepts that demand attention and response. First appearing in Matthew 19:11, it points to Jesus’ teaching about marriage and celibacy, marking it as a specific word requiring spiritual discernment. The early church recognized its importance in highlighting particular doctrines or commands that needed careful consideration. As an accusative form, it often marks the direct object of spiritual reception or understanding, emphasizing the concrete nature of divine truth.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: τοῦτον, touton, /ˈtu.ton/
- Detailed Pronunciation: TOO-tohn (where ‘oo’ is like in “too”)
- Part of Speech: Demonstrative Pronoun (Accusative Singular Masculine)
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Etymology:
- From οὗτος demonstrative stem
- Root: του- (tou-) demonstrative element
- Ending: -τον (-ton) accusative singular masculine marker
D – Defining Meanings
- This one
- This matter
- This teaching
For compound words: Not applicable as τοῦτον is an inflected form
Translation Options:
- “this” – emphasizing specific reference
- “this word” – highlighting teaching content
- “this matter” – indicating specific issue
E – Exploring Similar Words
- αὐτόν (auton) /au.ˈton/ – him, it See G846
- ἐκεῖνον (ekeinon) /e.ˈkei.non/ – that one See G1565
- τοιοῦτον (toiouton) /toi.ˈu.ton/ – such a one See G5108
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
- Case: Accusative
- Number: Singular
- Gender: Masculine
- Type: Demonstrative
Used in contexts indicating:
- Direct object
- Reference point
- Specific teaching
- Particular concept
Cross-references: Part of complete demonstrative system οὗτος/αὕτη/τοῦτο
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
Lexicons emphasize τοῦτον’s role in marking specific referents. BDAG highlights its use in identifying particular teachings or concepts. Thayer’s notes its function in pointing to immediate subjects. LSJ documents its classical usage in precise reference. Vine’s emphasizes its importance in marking specific spiritual truths. Strong’s connects it to definite objects of teaching. Moulton and Milligan show its use in precise identification. LEH demonstrates its role in Septuagint teachings.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“But He said to them, ‘Not all men can accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given.'” Matthew 19:11
Additional References:
Mark 12:10
John 7:27
Acts 2:36
1 Corinthians 3:12
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
Author: Work | Text |
---|---|
Plato: Republic | “We must carefully examine this argument about justice.” |
Demosthenes: Orations | “Consider well this matter before making judgment.” |
Xenophon: Memorabilia | “Socrates taught this principle to his disciples.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
τοῦτον plays a vital role in directing attention to specific spiritual truths that demand response. Its use in the Gospels particularly highlights how Jesus’ teachings require both divine enablement and human reception. The good news of King Jesus comes as specific, concrete truth that must be personally received and understood. This grammatical form reminds us that divine truth is not abstract but specific and demanding of response.
D – Did You Know?
- τοῦτον often marks teachings that require special divine grace to understand
- Early Christian teachers used it to highlight key doctrinal points
- The word frequently appears in passages about spiritual discernment
Strong’s G5126: The accusative singular masculine form of the demonstrative pronoun οὗτος/τοῦτο. In biblical context, particularly in Jesus’ teachings, it often marks specific spiritual truths or divine words that must be received and understood.
Part of speech: Demonstrative Pronoun (Accusative Singular Masculine)
Tags: teaching, reception, understanding, specific-truth, divine-word, discernment, jesus-teaching, doctrine, spiritual-truth, gospel, revelation, wisdom