Heavenly Wisdom: τούτους (Strong’s G5128: toutous) Reveals Kingdom Disciples’ Path

Strong’s G5128: An accusative plural demonstrative pronoun meaning “these” or “these ones,” toutous functions as a direct object marker in New Testament Greek. It frequently appears in passages highlighting specific groups or teachings, particularly in contexts emphasizing discipleship and divine instruction.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τούτους (toutous) serves as a precise grammatical tool in the New Testament, functioning as an accusative plural demonstrative pronoun. Its primary role is to point to specific groups, teachings, or concepts as direct objects of actions. In theological contexts, it often appears in passages where Jesus or the apostles are identifying particular groups of people or specific divine teachings. The early church fathers employed τούτους extensively in their writings to distinguish between different groups of believers or to emphasize particular doctrinal points. Today, this word continues to help readers understand the specific focus of biblical teachings and their intended recipients.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τούτους, toutous, TOO-toos
• Detailed pronunciation: τού (TOO) + τους (toos)
• Part of Speech: Demonstrative Pronoun

Etymology:

• Root: οὗτος (houtos) – “this”
• Inflected form: Accusative plural
• Function: Indicates direct objects in plural form

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “these” or “these ones”
• Used to indicate specific groups as direct objects
• Emphasizes particular items or people being discussed
• Marks the recipients of actions

For compound words: Not applicable as τούτους is an inflected form rather than a compound word

Translation Options:

1. “these ones” – Most literal translation preserving plurality
2. “these people” – When referring to specific groups
3. “such ones” – When emphasizing characteristics

E – Exploring Similar Words

τούτου (toutou) [TOO-too] – genitive singular form – See G5127
ταύτας (tautas) [TAO-tas] – feminine accusative plural form – See G3778
τούτοις (toutois) [TOO-toys] – dative plural form – See G5125

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Accusative
• Number: Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Demonstrative pronoun paradigm

The accusative case marks direct objects in Greek. In English, this would be equivalent to the object receiving the action of the verb. For example:

• Nominative plural: these (houtoi)
• Accusative plural: these ones (toutous)
• Genitive plural: of these (touton)
• Dative plural: to/for these (toutois)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

A comprehensive examination of τούτους across major lexicons reveals its significant role in New Testament discourse. BDAG emphasizes its function as an accusative plural demonstrative pronoun, particularly in contexts of direct address or specific identification. Thayer’s lexicon highlights its use in pointing to groups or concepts previously mentioned in the discourse. LSJ provides insight into its classical usage patterns, showing continuity with broader Greek literature. Vine’s elaborates on its theological significance, especially in passages dealing with discipleship and teaching. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence demonstrates its common usage in everyday Koine Greek communication.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Therefore everyone who hears these [τούτους] words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

Additional References:
Matthew 10:5, Mark 8:4, Luke 19:15, John 17:20, Acts 21:24

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Plato: Apology	“Consider these [τούτους] men who claim to be wise.”
Xenophon: Anabasis	“He commanded these [τούτους] soldiers to guard the gates.”
Thucydides: History	“They sent these [τούτους] ambassadors to negotiate peace.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

The demonstrative pronoun τούτους plays a vital role in identifying specific groups and teachings in the New Testament. Its precision in marking direct objects helps readers understand exactly who or what is being addressed in crucial passages. This grammatical precision reflects God’s intentional communication with His people, particularly in passages about discipleship and following His commands. The word helps proclaim the good news by clearly identifying those who are called to follow the Messiah and the specific teachings they are to embrace. Through τούτους, we see God’s careful attention to detail in guiding His people toward salvation.

D – Did You Know?

1. τούτους often appears in passages about discipleship and teaching
2. It’s frequently used in the Gospels when Jesus identifies specific groups for instruction
3. The word played a key role in early church writings about church order and discipline

Strong’s G5128: An accusative plural demonstrative pronoun meaning “these” or “these ones,” toutous functions as a direct object marker in New Testament Greek. It frequently appears in passages highlighting specific groups or teachings, particularly in contexts emphasizing discipleship and divine instruction.

Part of speech: Demonstrative Pronoun

Tags: demonstrative pronoun, accusative case, plural, direct object, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, grammar, pronouns, theological terms, discipleship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​